"We want to provide the best service we can for residents – displaying more of Lincolnshire's rich heritage in a contemporary setting and bringing bold art and culture exhibitions to Lincoln."
Cllr Nick Worth, executive member for heritage, explains: "Our vision for art and culture in Lincolnshire is to modernise and upgrade what we have on offer and make it fit for the 21st century. We want to build on the great success of Lincoln Castle where the revamp has created an exciting visitor experience and increased numbers dramatically.
“We are very pleased that the idea of transferring valuable heritage to Nottinghamshire is not going to happen. We have always made it clear to the city of Lincoln that we are happy to continue to look after their collections and artefacts, which we have done at no charge since 1974.
“All that we are asking is some flexibility in the use of the Usher Gallery which would be in sympathy with the Usher bequest so that we can match the success of other heritage sites.
“If the City of Lincoln want to take on their responsibility directly and run the Usher purely as an art gallery we will of course make the building freely available to them.”