Fort St. Catherine will be closed for the spring and early summer months for critical repairs and improvements.

The Department of Parks announced the popular tourist attraction will be closed from Saturday to mid-June.

As part of the continued renovation of one of Bermuda's most important historic cultural attractions, structural roof repairs will be made to the main exhibit space in the artillery store and to the Keep roof. Work will also include repair of masonry walls, fencing and electrical work.

The Department said it recognised that the renovations are not being carried out at the best time with the visitor season approaching.

A spokesman said it was originally anticipated the work would be carried out between November 2007 and this month, but unforeseen circumstances prevented the work being done. It is not known what the unforeseen circumstances were.

The spokesman added: "It was felt that due to the concern for the safety of the public it was better to carry out the renovations immediately rather than risk injury to visitors and staff.

"The Bermuda public and our international visitors can look forward to an array of exciting new exhibits and displays at Fort St. Catherine, celebrating the development of Bermuda's defences and the St. George's World Heritage site.

"The Department would like to apologise to all local residents and visitors who make Fort St. Catherine one of the Island's most popular attractions.

"However, these renovations are important in assuring the safety of our visitors and simultaneously ensuring that the Fort will remain a popular attraction for many years to come."