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Statement from Garden director
There follows a statement from the Director of the National Botanic Garden of Wales, Kevin Lamb:
"In the wake of two wet summers in a row and uncertain economic conditions - which are predicted to last at least 18 months - we are taking difficult but important decisions about the short-term and long-term future of the Garden.
"These decisions about the business are sensible and robust. We have a fantastic team here and what is being planned is all about greater efficiency which will, in the long run, be good news for them and for everyone who supports the Garden.
"We set ourselves a target of 134,500 visitors for 2008/2009. From where we are now, we are predicting that we will finish the year with 120,000. This would be the first time since 2003 that visitor figures haven’t risen year on year.
"It should also be borne in mind that this dip represents a reduction of less than 8% on last year’s figure (of 131,018). Considering the weather we have suffered this year, as a mainly ‘outdoor’ attraction, this is not that bad a performance.
"We are half way through the first year of our three-year funding deal with the Assembly and it is incumbent on us to put ourselves in a position to finish the year close to a break-even level.
"We want to get to a position where we can do that without being a further burden to the tax-payer. But that means reducing costs and achieving greater efficiency
"These efficiencies are not just to get us on track for this financial year. We have had two wet summers in a row and, even though the law of averages suggests next year will be better, it is not sensible for us to take this for granted. In addition, we know the broader economy is going to be challenging for everyone for at least the next 18 months
"So, the action we are taking now is to safeguard the future of this business for this year, next year and beyond.
"As far as the job situation at the Garden is concerned, some positions will change. In the next 12 months or so, we envisage there being a net loss of some 3 or 4 posts.
"In the context of a £3 million business with 60 full-time staff, 50 seasonal posts and c150 volunteers this is a very small number – although we do recognise that, for the individuals concerned, losing your job is nothing short of devastating."
