CHESHIRE CONSERVATIVE MPS JOIN FORCES WITH COUNCILLORS TO GET ZOO RE-OPENED SAFELY

Cheshire's Conservative MPs have joined forces with local councillors to highlight to the government the amazing conservation work of Chester Zoo as they call for it to be reopened.

Although the popular attraction has had to close during the Coronavirus crisis local people are eagerly awaiting the re-opening of this major conservation zoo in order to support the vital work that it does.

Eddisbury MP Edward Timpson, who has been in contact with Defra to look at how the zoo can re-open, said:

“I’ve been visiting Chester Zoo with my family ever since I was a child, and so I know there are many good reasons why it’s the most visited zoo in the country: not least of all due to its superb conservation programme. 

“That’s why I have pressed ministers personally to sanction a safe reopening of the significant outdoor spaces at Chester Zoo as soon as possible.”

Andy Carter, in neighbouring Warrington South, said many of his constituents have contacted him over the zoo.

He said: “Chester Zoo is of international importance, as well as a much-loved local asset. Zoos are currently closed due to the restrictions, but Chester Zoo has already announced a raft of safety measures they have put in place in readiness for re-opening in order to keep visitors, staff and of course the animals as safe as possible.”

“Edward and I have been working hard to highlight this to Ministers, and to lobby for the re-opening of our zoo as soon as possible.”

Knutsford MP, Esther McVey, said she was concerned as well.

She said: “I am concerned that a blanket ruling for zoos to remain closed doesn’t reflect the ability for zoos as large as Chester to manage social distancing adequately.

“The team at Chester have put a lot of work into ensuring visitors can visit safely. I am, therefore, keen for visitors, including many from my constituency, to be able to visit. It is also vital that the zoo can start to reopen to ensure it has some income to pay the large monthly costs of keeping the animals cared for.”

Crewe and Nantwich MP Kieran Mullen said he has enjoyed visiting the zoo on many occasions and commended the team for their conservation work.

He said: “The conservation work the zoo carries out is vital as well as providing a much-loved visitor attraction which I’ve enjoyed with my family. I hope to see Chester Zoo re-opened safely very soon.”

Sarah Atherton, MP for Wrexham, also added her support.

She said: “Chester Zoo is the biggest charity zoo in the UK and residents here in Wrexham are so grateful to have it on our doorstep. The conservation work they do around the world is vital in preventing extinction. If it can open safely, it should be allowed to do so.”

Chester Conservative councillors, Jill Houlbrook and Simon Eardley are also pushing for the zoo to be safely re-opened in line with social distancing measures.

Jill, who represents Upton, said: “Chester Zoo is a huge part of Upton and it’s loved by our residents. It a major employer, a jewel in the conservation crown and brings thousands of tourists to Chester each year. Upton just would not be the same without the zoo as its neighbour. “

Simon Eardley, who represents the Saughall and Mollington ward, said:

"I am very concerned about the situation that Chester Zoo finds itself in, the majority of which sits within my ward. It is a place of local, national and international significance and one of the most respected and responsible organisations I know.

“I do hope this matter can be resolved and the zoo can be safely opened again before we, genuinely, lose a vital asset in our local community. A gem that is doing vital work to tackle the climate crisis and for conservation across the world.”