Naturalist Bill Oddie has called for the island to be protected

Money was spent on renovating the building a few years ago, although it has been unoccupied for some time.

The 40-acre island, which is considered a wildlife haven, is linked to Guernsey near L'Eree by a causeway.

Deputy Jack Honeybill said it was questionable whether island taxpayers had received value for money from the facility in recent years.

We're faced with an asset which is obviously a treasure to the island but is in dire need of money spent on it Deputy Jack Honeybill

The States purchased the island and house in 1995 to allow islanders and tourists access to the island.

The Treasury and Resources deputy told BBC News: "I don't think the policy was very long-term. It's similar to other buildings which have had very short-term investment in them.

"Unfortunately, we're faced with an asset which is obviously a treasure to the island but is in dire need of money spent on it."

There are currently two bidders vying for the lease to run the island.

The Lihou Charitable Trust plans to repair the house to allow interested groups to visit the island and learn about the area's ecology and history.

It is thought a private bidder, who has offered the States �16,000 a year in rent, could renovate the house as a family home.