Councillors have committed to do all they can to keep an under-threat internationally recognized glass festival in Stourbridge.

The festival, which takes place every two years, is no longer guaranteed to be in Stourbridge after Ruskin Mill Land Trust withdrew from organising the event.

The Glass Art Society, which is based in the USA, has now taken over prompting concern the festival will move out of the borough.

Councillor Karen Westwood gained the backing of Dudley Council at the authority’s meeting on December 4 to work on keeping the festival in Stourbridge.

Cllr Westwood said: “Volunteering during last year’s festival I saw first-hand the positive economic impact and huge footfall plus the cultural and historic benefits to the borough.

“The loss of this great asset would be unthinkable.”

The council resolved to do all it can to keep the festival, which showcases the best of British glass art, in Stourbridge.

Clll Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, said: “We will do all we can to support it. We put in a bid to the Commonwealth Games Legacy Fund for £350,000 but were unsuccessful.

“We believe there are other funds we can apply for. I will make sure we do our best to keep the festival where it belongs.”

Cllr Westwood added: “The protection of our local history is imperative and should be on all agendas.

“Future generations need to be able to access and enjoy our unique heritage which has been laid down over the last four hundred years.”

Alexander Goodger, director at Stourbridge Glass Museum, said “We have a brand-new two-story facility in Stourbridge to showcase a dazzling display of historic and contemporary glass art from all over the world and support the local and national glass community. 

“We are keen to work with everyone to maintain an internationally significant glass festival in the local area after 20 years of it growing stronger. 

“Stourbridge is the home of glass.”