Hawk Conservancy Trust is at risk of closing after multiple lockdowns and restrictions have impacted its income, the Advertiser can confirm.


The chief executive of the popular tourist attraction, just outside of Andover, said they are under increased pressure and could be at risk of going under. 

The trust’s chief executive Penny Smout said that they are concerned about their future viability, particularly if the current crisis continues throughout 2021. 


She told The Advertiser: “Our future viability is a concern as after losing six months’ income from visitors and, with 130 birds of prey to look after, we’re consuming our reserves quickly. 


“Visits to the Trust not only support our mission by sharing our passion for birds of prey, but also provide the bulk of our income which then funds the essential conservation of birds of prey and their habitats.


“Even with the furlough scheme and government grants of around £3,000, we still need around £90,000 to £100,000 a month to operate. With no guaranteed end date for the current lockdown, our way ahead is uncertain.”

The CEO said their creative team is working hard to deal with the shortfall and to plan for ways they can reverse their fortunes.
 

You can read the full story in this week's edition. Also in this week’s paper:

- Residents can now have their say on plans that could transform Andover town centre.

- One Andover resident is undertaking a light-hearted fundraiser - with the help of a cuddly toy.

- Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) has launched a strategy to attempt to help the local economy recuperate following the Covid-19 pandemic.

- Political leaders have spoken to the Advertiser about their travel arrangements over the last few months as they urge members of the public to stay at home as much as possible during lockdown.

- A coroner has said it “is very sad someone can die this way” after there were “several missed opportunities” before the death of an Andover man.

- The deputy Mayor of Andover has been released with no further action after being arrested on suspicion of threatening to kill someone.

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