Talks held over museums' future

The Maritime Museum is one of the sites facing closure

Jersey Heritage Trust has met with States members to discuss financial difficulties which could force the closure of two museums in the island.

The trust manages seven properties but fears it may have to close the Maritime and Hamptonne Country Life museums unless more money is found to run them.

In March, the States gave the trust £200,000 in emergency funding.

However, the trust says its grant has only increased by 3% in real terms since the 1990s.

Jersey Heritage is currently in negotiations with Jersey States' Education, Sport and Culture department for funding to keep the Maritime Museum and Hamptonne open.

At the meeting earlier on Wednesday, the trust outlined the background to the funding problems and suggested ways in which money could possibly be found to help it continue to manage its properties and promote Jersey's history.