The controversial decision to close the Westgate Hall in Canterbury will go ahead despite an 800-signature petition and Facebook campaign to keep it open.

The city council executive says the cost-cutting measure will stay in its budget because the building costs the council £100,000 to run and needs £450,000 spending on it.

But the controlling Tory administration, which is having to find savings of £3 million, has buckled to pressure and will now no longer charge for clear plastic recycling sacks, which was another controversial proposal.

It was trying to save the £100,000 wasted every year on the 2.5 million sacks which are supplied but never get returned with recycling waste in them.

Council leader John Gilbey said: “It’s crazy for so many to be wasted.

“Every household gets 17 sacks free on a roll every quarter but we are looking at other ways, including the possibility of people who need more sacks pre-registering.”

Another planned saving, to close the Roman Museum in Butchery Lane has also been criticised.

But Cllr Gilbey says the plan is to move the exhibits to the Museum of Canterbury in Stour Street so the story of the city is under one roof.

Commercial proposals to maintain the space in the Butchery Lane site would be explored which would ensure visitors still having access to the Roman pavement which is a scheduled ancient monument.

For full details of the latest budget proposals and reaction, see your Gazette on Thursday.