NO JOBS will be lost as a result of the changes in the opening hours at castles in Dover, Deal and Walmer.

The changes are part of a nationwide review by English Heritage, who said all staff had been assured that their jobs were safe, although some of those working at Deal and Walmer might be transferred to Dover Castle.

Neither would it affect the recruitment of seasonal staff taking place for this summer.

Dover Castle will be closing two days a week during the winter months, but it will stay open for an extra hour in the peak summer months.

Deal Castle will close altogether from October to March and Walmer Castle will be closed from November to February. Both castles will still be open for special events and for educational visits.

In a statement, English Heritage said that as part of their responsibilities as the government’s lead body on the historic environment, they regularly review operations to ensure they are efficiently managing their properties to meet customers’ needs and deliver the best possible experience for all visitors.

“As part of our most recent nationwide review we have made some changes to the opening hours of castle in Kent.

“To meet the pattern of customer demand, we will now be opening Dover Castle for an additional hour every day throughout our busiest months of July and August.

“During November, December and January, traditionally our quietest months, the site will be open five days a week rather than seven.” It will be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

“Although Deal Castle will now be closed over the winter months we will be continuing our very popular programme of events at the castle as normal and will be operating our full range of Hallowe’en and Christmas events.

“Again, we have made these changes to reflect customer demand.

“At Walmer Castle, while the gardens will remain open throughout the winter, the castle itself will be closed from November through to February.

“The changes to our opening hours have been planned to help us provide the best service we can.

“We remain extremely committed to providing an excellent experience for visitors to all our sites in Kent, signalled by our decision to appoint a new Head of Visitor Operations for Kent, who is based at Dover Castle.”