Lihou - haven for wildlife

The building is being renovated by the Board of Administration.

A board spokesman says access to the house is restricted and is only being given to organisations which have used the house before.

Jill Girard, who organises guided walks to Lihou, says it is a shame more people cannot make use of the building as it is a beautifully located place to stay.

Windows replaced

But the Board of Administration says the house is being looked after and plans are afoot to allow it to be used more frequently.

The 40-acre island is linked to the Guernsey mainland near L'Eree by an ancient causeway. At certain tides, visitors call walk over to it.

Board President Deputy Roger Berry said proposals have been put forward for a group or individual to take over the care of the island's house as early as this autumn.

Several parties have expressed their interest in doing this.

Deputy Berry said a large amount of money has been spent on the building to make sure it is wind and watertight.

Work has been done on the roof, rotted windows have been replaced, the generators have been repaired and an upgrade to the water purification system is now operational.

Deputy Berry also thinks having someone in the house will increase safety on the island, although they will only have responsibility for the house and not the whole island.