Trust finally signs Lihou lease

Lihou island is considered to be a wildlife haven

A Guernsey charity has finally signed a lease for a house on the Lihou island after months of delay.

The Lihou Charitable Trust plans to repair the house and turn it into an educational centre.

The States bought the house in 1995. It decided to find someone to take on a lease after it fell into disrepair.

There are still up to three months of work ahead for the trust and its team of volunteers, but they hope to welcome their first visitors in mid-October.

Numerous repairs

The trust has signed a 21-year lease for the property on the 40-acre wildlife haven.

Originally a private bidder was the favoured option for the lease, because it was thought to be more financially secure than the trust. But about 65% of States deputies voted in favour of the trust's bid to use the house for educational purposes.

Lihou is linked to Guernsey near L'Eree by a causeway. The States purchased the island and house in 1995 to allow access for islanders and tourists.

The house has undergone numerous repairs but more work is needed because of its exposed location.