The 19th century loophole tower, which sits on Rousse headland in the Vale, has been closed the the public since before the Covid lockdowns.
Silver tour guide Olga Mitchell said she had missed bringing her tour groups to the popular attraction.
Two years ago she asked the States where the figures – which used to demonstrate the tower’s inner workings – had disappeared to.
After being told they were placed in storage for disposal due to their poor condition, she rounded up 11 volunteers who spent days restoring them. After their efforts the figures were put back in storage.
‘There have been multiple excuses made by the States and two years later, the figures still remain in the storage and the tower is closed,’ she said.
‘It was often a highlight of the tour,’ she said.
‘This site has long been an important part of the island’s cultural and social landscape, valued by both residents and visitors. Its continued closure has not only limited opportunities for leisure and tourism, but has also raised concerns within the community about its future, upkeep, and the lack of clear communication regarding any plans for reopening.
‘It saddens me to say that one young lady in our volunteer group unfortunately passed away recently, losing her battle with cancer, and never managed to see the figures back in the tower. I was asked at her funeral where her friends and family could see the figures that she talked about so much.’
Helen Glencross, head of Culture & Heritage Services, said that essential conservation work was ongoing to preserve the site.
Guernsey Museums was working with the States Property Unit to enable the tower to reopen. In the meantime, she said an access pass for tour guides might be considered.
‘[The conservation work] is a necessary step to ensure the long-term preservation of this important historic site while maintaining safe and appropriate access.
‘We always welcome conversations with local stakeholders and would be happy to provide clear information about the current situation, as well as explore how we might work together constructively.
'For instance, where access is requested for purposes such as guided tours, we are open to facilitating this and can arrange key access on request.
'To date, we have not received a formal request of this nature, but we would be very willing to consider one.’
Mrs Mitchell said this comment left her and the group ‘surprised and confused’.
‘The Heritage department was aware of the project two years ago and it was never made clear to us that any “formal request” would be needed to complete the project,’ she said.
‘Our point of contact with the States was Property Unit and Education, Sport & Culture, which provided us with a workshop and the paint for the project and were fully supportive all way through.
‘Personally, I believe that shifting the blame and finding excuses is extremely counter-productive.
‘We all should work together to finish the project and open Rousse Tower for the public, with the restored figures on display as soon as possible. Our group is very willing to help as much as we can to make it happen.’
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