Heritage site reviews under way

The Maritime Museum is one of the sites affected by cash problems

Reviews are under way into three properties in Jersey run by a States-funded heritage and cultural trust which are facing closure.

The properties, run by Jersey Heritage Trust, face having to close because of pressure on funding.

They include the Hamptonne Country Life Museum, the Maritime Museum and the Occupation Tapestry Gallery.

Culture Minister James Reed said it was hoped the sites would remain open until at least the end of summer.

The cash-strapped trust, which promotes the island's history and manages seven historic properties, said that it had been concerned for some time that, without extra money, it would have to close some sites.

It was given an additional £200,000 of States funding in March.

Minister Reed said a series of reviews were under way to see what could be done about the situation.

He said: "I've had recent discussion with the Jersey Heritage Trust.

"Mindful of the fact that the reviews are carried out and other work that needs to be done, the present talk is that, if heritage sites were to close, it would be towards the end of the tourist season."