Rain affects Rye Heritage Centre’s profits

The constant rain took its toll with Rye Heritage Centre reporting sales were down by 15 percent during that period.

Heritage Centre manager Peter Cosstick said school half-term falling in June this year also affected the April and May figures.

But Royal Jubilee celebrations seem to have had the desired affect with a 40 percent increase in sale in the first six days of June.

The Heritage Centre is still taking measures to cut costs with staffing planned to fall from 2.5 to 2 and the Town Model closing between 12.30pm and 1.30pm.

Mr Cosstick says that staff levels are flexible and can be increased to meet demand, such as for group bookings on the town model.

A new meet and greet scheme for coaches, launched by the Heritage Centre did generate an additional £1,200 in April.

Improvement work has taken place at the Heritage Centre with glazing units replaced and internal decoration.

Rye Town Council, who own the Heritage Centre are looking at the possibility of it being run by a Community Interest Company.

The matter has been referred to the council’s Heritage Centre development group.