Restored tourist attraction is losing money

JOBS are under threat at a Yorkshire tourist attraction because, despite millions of pounds of investment, it is losing money.

Wentworth Castle Gardens in Barnsley was a spectacular Grade 1 listed landscape with no official public access, until it appeared on the BBC Restoration programme in 2003. The resulting publicity led to a multi-million pound investment and the gardens opened in 2007.

But although visitor numbers have continued to rise, the attraction is making a loss, with its business side, including a cafe and gift shop, failing to increase turnover.

That means job numbers at the trust which operates the attraction are to be cut. Some vacant posts will not be filled and others will be merged or changed, and the trust accepts some people may lose their jobs.

A spokesman said: “Where any job losses are unavoidable, we will be doing our utmost to ensure that those affected are supported to find alternative employment.”

The recession is blamed for contributing to financial problems at the gardens, which are home to national collections of rhododendrons, camellias and magnolias.

The spokesman said: “Only by taking action now can we aim to successfully take our place among the elite garden attractions, not only in Yorkshire, but in the UK and beyond.”