Image: Cuts are having a severe impact on museums

New research carried out by the Museums Association (MA) has revealed the "devastating impact" of funding cuts on heritage attractions across the UK.

More than 110 services and institutions participated in the association's survey, with 51 per cent reporting a reduction to their budgets compared with April 2011.

Nearly a quarter have been forced to reduce public access by shutting whole or part of sites either temporarily or permanently, while 11 per cent have permanently closed whole sites.

Other findings from the survey showed that 42 per cent of participants had reduced staffing levels, with nearly a third seeing budgets reduced by more than a tenth.

However, 36 per cent of those who responded to the survey expect to increase the quality of service over the next year - compared with 13 per cent at the same stage last year.

MA director Mark Taylor said: "It's not getting any better and in some cases it's getting worse. There's no prospect of an upturn any time soon.

"But the survey shows increased determination to improve services. That's a reflection of the strength and commitment of the museum sector and people who work in it."

Details: www.museumsassociation.org

Image: pio3/shutterstock.com