Looking after the forts

The Insular Council of Minorca announced yesterday that it is to take direct control over the management of Fort Marlborough, which was built by the British at the end of the 18th century in Cala Sant Esteve in Es Castell. The Minorcan Councillor for Culture, Josep Portella, said yesterday that in 1998 management of the fort was contracted out to a private company, but the new Insular Council has decided to assume direct control of the historic British military installation. The council has just renewed the management company's contract for a further three months, which will act as a period of transition. Under new management the fort will be permanently staffed with receptionists and guides to look after visitors, and an audiovisual display will be installed explaining the history of the installation. The fort will remain closed during February, but once re-opened, the Council will launch a major publicity campaign in all of the island's education centres.