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The Torfaen AM has written to David Anderson, director general of National Museum Wales, seeking an urgent meeting to discuss the situation, and yesterday (TUES), she raised the matter on the floor of the National Assembly for Wales.

Speaking during the business statement, Ms Neagle said: “I’ve been approached by a number of my constituents about plans that include detrimental changes to terms and conditions that disproportionately affect lower paid staff, and the introduction of a charge for underground tours.

“As the local assembly member, I’m vehemently opposed to the introduction of charges at Big Pit - because it flies square in the face of our really important long term commitment to free entry to our national museums and galleries. The underground tours are not – as I’m told it’s being argued - an additional extra, but in fact are fundamental to any visit to the site.

“Connecting us with our history; breathing life into our rich industrial heritage; for many children a trip to Big Pit has almost become a rite of passage.”

A spokeswoman for National Museum Wales, said it has had “to make difficult decisions during these continuing challenging economic times”.

She said: “One of several options being considered is charging for the underground tours at Big Pit but no final decision has been taken.

“Amgueddfa Cymru has seen a reduction of its revenue budget of over 20 per cent in real terms over the last five years and has already made savings of £2.25m.”

She added that it “cannot afford to continue with weekend attendance payments”.

She said: “We remain committed to mitigating the impact on staff through increasing the basic pay by at least 2 per cent for many of the staff receiving premium payments and introducing the Living Wage.”

The Welsh Government is currently reviewing its pension scheme.

Mr Anderson has arranged to meet Ms Neagle to discuss the issues.