DOUBTS have been cast over the possibility of a World Heritage Site bid from the Channel Islands after the UK Department for Culture announced a review of its WHS policy.

According to a report published recently, the tourism benefits of World Heritage Site status are limited and the cost of developing a bid for that status and maintaining a site is rising. And the Department for Culture could stop UK nominations altogether if the review proves that the UK already has its fair share of sites for the time being.

The findings come just days after Jersey announced that it may apply for the historical fortifications of the Channel Islands to be recognised as a WHS and the announcements have now left a fly in the ointment for Jersey’s plans.

Assistant Minister for Education, Sport and Culture Carolyn Labey had said last week that the findings of a report commissioned by her department, which said the fortifications had the potential for recognition, was excellent news and Jersey could begin to think about working towards developing a bid for the UK Tentative List – which is a precursor to being accepted as a World Heritage Site.

• Gorey Castle would have been a feature of the bid for World Heritage Site status