THE closure of Durban House heritage centre would be a loss to the literary world, mining community and future generations of schoolchildren, according to supporters.

The centre in Eastwood, which has exhibitions dedicated to DH Lawrence and the area's mining history, is under threat after Broxtowe Borough Council revealed plans to slash £60,000 from its budget.

The move has been called "short-sighted" by the DH Lawrence Society.

Dr Sean Matthews, on the DH Lawrence Society Board and head of the DH Lawrence Research Centre at the University of Nottingham, said: "There's very little information being made available by Broxtowe Borough Council. These are discussions that seem to be taking place behind closed doors about an amenity that's a public facility.

"Durban House has always been given performance criteria in terms of getting schools involved, not about generating income – that's not been one of the priorities."

Dr Matthews added: "It's a provision to many, many people, particularly to schools and local groups.

"If the council want it to be more business savvy they need to consult and discuss and come up ways of making it a more self-sufficient institution. It appears that the idea of cutting the funding has emerged out of nowhere and the council hasn't consulted with anyone that's considered to be stakeholders, it's a short-sighted way to solve the financial problem."

Leader of the council, Coun Michael Rich, said the budget proposal was only made last week. "I have no doubt that stakeholders including members of the public who currently fund Durban House from council tax will have the opportunity to make representation," he said.

Fred Skillington, a 77-year-old former miner from the town, says he is offended by the plans.

"It's very important because the new generation haven't seen any pits, I grew up with pits all around me, they should be remembered," he said.

"It's part of our background and heritage."

Teaching courses for staff are also held at Durban House. Jane Ratcliffe is assistant head teacher at Greasley Beauvale Primary School where DH Lawrence was once a pupil and later a student teacher.

She said: "We feel it offers a versatile and invaluable educational experience outside the classroom.

"The younger children in year one and two have gone down to Durban House to learn about the Victorians.

"The year sixes hold art exhibitions there and it's a great place.

"I'd be sad to see it go, it's not good for the community – what would it become if it did close down, is it going to be another derelict building?"

The budget plans will be discussed by the council's cabinet on Tuesday, before being finalised by full council in March.

delia.monk@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk