Three English Heritage sites face winter closures

Lanercost Priory could be shut in the winter under new plans

Three historical attractions in Cumbria are on a list of locations being considered by English Heritage for winter closures.

Alongside Furness Abbey on the outskirts of Barrow, the BBC understands the charity is considering reducing the opening hours of Lanercost Priory, Stott Park Bobbin Mill in Windermere and Brougham Castle near Penrith.

Local Lanercost cafe owner Stefano Calcioli said the winter closure of the priory would have a "huge effect on the local economy".

English Heritage said it could not confirm its plans as they were still being discussed but added it could not "ignore" the rising costs of conservation.

A spokesperson said some of its sites already closed during winter months and it was proposing a "relatively small number of other sites" join this group.

"The reality is that the cost of opening those sites over the winter weekends is not offset by the small number of visitors they welcome," they said.

The spokesperson added that English Heritage cared for more than 20 sites across Cumbria, saying: "Most of which are free to visit but not free to maintain."

It is understood the three sites are being considered for either full winter closures or opening to the public only on specific days of the year.

It is part of the organisation's plans to make at least 189 redundancies in its current workforce of more than 2,500 people.

'A beautiful area'

Mr Calcioli said Lanercost Priory was used on a "regular basis" by the local community and attracted tourists all year around.

But Lanercost bed and breakfast owner Charlotte Graham said the priory got few visitors in the winter.

"I can understand why they are doing it," she said. "They may be paying someone to sit there all day and it gets two or three people."

However she also said she did not think the priory and the village got enough publicity.

"It's such a beautiful area, steeped with so much history and yet no one knows we are here," she said.

English Heritage said it was operating in a "challenging environment" and the plans would help it remain "financially resilient".

It said it would consult with staff and unions about the changes. "Nothing will be confirmed until after this formal consultation period," a spokesperson said.