The Jersey Hospitality Association has been critical of the way the island's tourism authority has rejected the use of public money to help with the survey.

The gardens at the Chateau Le Chaire Hotel at Rozel are said to have been designed by Victorian horticulturalist Samuel Curtis.

They were a major attraction until World War II, when it is believed they were pillaged by German troops.

Economy boost

The study will look into whether it is worth restoring the gardens to their former glory.

The Jersey Hospitality Association said the department should be backing the study by using money from the States investment fund, which backs tourism projects which support infrastructure.

It said the lost gardens could potentially provide an ideal opportunity to attract more tourists to the island, therefore boosting Jersey's economy.