Funding boost for Bletchley Park

Milton Keynes Council has matched English Heritage funding

World War II code-breaking centre Bletchley Park in Buckinghamshire is to be given £600,000 for repairs.

Following a vote by local residents, Milton Keynes Council has agreed to pay £100,000 a year for three years, matching a pledge by English Heritage.

The deal means the historical site, which is in a poor state of repair, will be given £600,000 over the period.

English Heritage paid £330,000 in 2008 for roof repairs at the site, seen as the birthplace of the modern computer.

'Supporting the economy'

Director of Bletchley Park Trust Simon Greenish said: "The vital endorsement takes us one step closer to achieving our aim of creating a world-class educational and heritage site."

Bletchley was the base where Allied code-breakers intercepted messages that had been encrypted by the German Enigma machines.

Councillor Vanessa McPake, council cabinet member responsible for heritage and culture, said: "In this time of economic downturn more people are likely to be holidaying in the UK.

"So Bletchley Park has a real role to play in supporting the economy of Milton Keynes."

English Heritage threw down the gauntlet to outside organisations to donate £100,000 a year for three years when they funded roof repairs.