Jerwood entry fee row rumbles on

Cllr Richard Stevens is asking the Hastings Borough Council (HBC) cabinet to work with the Jerwood Foundation to make the gallery free, as was first agreed.

But Kevin Boorman, head of marketing at HBC, said their hands were tied and that Jerwood had to charge an entry fee if they were to claim back the VAT on the building costs, estimated to be 800,000.

Mr Boorman said: "In an ideal world we would want it to be free and Jerwood would want it to be free but this is a matter of tax law. This was agreed two years ago and that would have been the right time to raise this issue, before work had started.

"Entry will be 5, which is at the very bottom of the spectrum for these sorts of attractions, and 2 for local people, which is a very reasonable price to view works of international repute."

He said that the council had been advised that a small entry charge would have "no impact at all" on the estimated number of visitors. It is not yet clear how the local residents' discount will work.

Debate has raged in the Observer over recent weeks over whether the gallery should be free.

Cllr Richard Stevens this week hit back at those who have criticised his motion as a publicity stunt. He said: "I would like to make it absolutely clear that I have always been a supporter of Stade improvements and welcome the resources levered in on the back of Jerwood's investment.

"They gave a commitment for free access to all and then changed their minds at a later date. I have no interest in head-line grabbing on what should be seen as purely a matter of principle.

"This council talks a lot about anti-poverty strategies and equality of opportunity, now let's see the council's ruling administration put these fine words into practice by demanding free admission to Jerwood for everyone - as was promised."