The museums are expected to save �100,000

Under plans to save �100,000, the council wants to sell off storage space, close some of the galleries and reduce the days they open.

Volunteers at the station say the move could result in its closure.

The council is facing a �10m budget overspend and is proposing cuts in many areas.

We just can't run them all the same as we did John Mugglestone Leicester City Council

This would mean the only area open to the public would be the Pump House itself.

Visiting days would be cut to four in the summer and three in the winter - the station is currently open all year round.

The Jewry Wall museum is facing similar demands for budget savings.

It is also thought charges could be introduced at Belgrave Hall, the Guildhall and the Castle.

Councillor John Mugglestone emphasised they are being forced to look at many areas.

He said: "We are not just picking on these (Pump House and Jewry Wall) for the focussing.

"We have looked at Wygston's House and Belgrave Hall, we have been looking at the museum service overall.

"We have had a 20% drop (in funding) since 1997 in real terms. We just can't run them all the same as we did then."