down -- because of a lack of visitors.

The Carriage Museum on Water Street, has been closed since its curator, Horace Frith, retired earlier this year.

And members of the Wilkinson Trust, which owns the building, are now debating whether or not to keep the museum open or convert it into another facility.

A survey carried out by the Trust showed that the museum received less than four visitors a day over an eight month period last year.

Henry Laing, manager of Wilkinson Estates, a subsidiary company of the Trust, last night confirmed the future of the attraction is in jeopardy.

"I don't think a decision has been made at this point,'' he said. "It's a case of having to review the whole scenario. It will be sad if we lose it but it's not as simple as running, say, a retail place. We have the same overheads but we don't charge admission -- we rely on donations.

"I think the Trust would like to make a decision on it soon but I don't know what they will replace it with if they decide to scrap it -- that's not my decision.'' Mr. Laing added that the neighbouring Carriage House restaurant will not be affected by the possible closure and will keep running as normal.

The museum houses several of Bermuda's old carriages which used to transport people and goods across the Island before the introduction of cars just after the Second World War.

Tourism Minister David Dodwell said he was saddened to hear of the museum's uncertain future but added Government could not step in to save the attraction.