Britain's archives at risk

BRITAIN'S archives are in urgent need of money to save them for future generations, according to a report published today which calls for massive funding from the National Lottery to allow more public access.

The nation's records, which cover 300 miles of shelving, are considered to be the best collection in Europe, but 65 per cent of all local archives need new buildings to store and display their files. The report, by the Public Record Office, the National Council on Archives, the Association of Chief Archivists in local government, and the Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts, reveals that many people believe too many treasures are not available for public view.