Arts groups urge bankrupt Birmingham not to sell its heritage

Letter to incoming commissioners says city's culture must be preserved and prioritised

Birmingham's financial reconstruction must not come at the cost of its priceless heritage, three of the country's biggest cultural organisations have said.

After Birmingham city council declared itself in effect bankrupt this month, there has been growing speculation about what assets could be sold to help balance its books, with concern for the Library of Birmingham and the city's main museum and art gallery.