Taxpayer money 'could be used to fund Bergerac'

Ministers said a grant would be provided if it was clear the island's economy had benefited

Taxpayer's money could be put towards the production of a new series of Bergerac, the States has agreed.

Ministers said the government would pay "some" money after the series was made but only if it was clear the island's economy had benefited.

Deputy Kirsten Morel wrote a letter of intent to the producers outlining what conditions had to be met for the grant to be provided.

Mr Morel said negotiations were currently ongoing.

He said: "Terms currently include items such as a grant to be paid against independently audited spend on islands during the production process, a requirement for the production to train a number of local apprentices in key areas of production and benefits from worldwide distribution in perpetuity."

Local apprentices could be on set for the new series of Bergerac

Mr Morel said he believed the series could have a "huge beneficial impact to the economy in many different ways, including the visitor economy, but also providing careers for young people, alternative careers which I think is absolutely vital".

If approved, funding would come from the economic development department and Visit Jersey.

Although the amount had not been confirmed, the government was asked for £1.8m in February.

Island funding for film projects has been controversial since a previous government gave a company £200,000 for a project that fell through.