Supporters of Lancaster City Museum have begun a campaign to stop its opening days being cut in half.
The Friends of Lancaster City Museum have started an online petition after Lancaster City Council proposed to reduce its opening hours from six days a week to three from October 1.
"We believe the effect of these draconian measures would be devastating for residents and visitors alike, and would tarnish Lancaster's reputation as a heritage city," said a spokesperson for the Friends.
The proposals are part of the council's budget proposals for 2023/24 and include a full review of the museums service which could see further changes.
Councillor Caroline Jackson, leader of Lancaster City Council, said this could lead to a "revamp" of the City Museum which she said was looking "a bit tired".
A final decision will be made at a council meeting at Morecambe Town Hall on Wednesday February 22, where the Friends will speak out against the plans, which could save the council £300,000 a year.
Other council-run museums the Maritime Museum and the Cottage Museum could also have their opening hours cut.
The petition can be found here.
The year 2023 marks the Lancaster museum service's centenary year.
The city council has said that cuts are necessary to balance the books after "spiralling inflation and years of government under-funding" made worse by the current cost of living crisis and rise in energy prices.
The city council was facing a budget deficit of £2.97m for 2022/23, rising to a predicted £8.41m by 2025/26.
They are also planning to shut local Visitor Information Centres in summer 2023 and restructure senior management at the council.
Councillor Jackson, speaking to Beyond Radio earlier this week, said: "We're struggling to keep our museums going...we've had to do some unpalatable things but we are committed to trying to reverse those changes.
"We may not be able to manage the same model, but we still want to have museums that support education and interest in our local community.
"We are looking forward to going for a big revamp. It's a bit tired, the City Museum.
"I know some people would love it to stay the same, or young people would want us to provide something that gives them a clear narrative about the past.
"There is a chance that now, we could really go for a revamp. So it's not all bad news."
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