News the Wild Planet Trust has put Paignton Zoo up for sale has brought a wave of concerns about the future for it, with these being shared at the Conservative Party’s Conference in Manchester.
Like other tourism businesses the zoo has been hit by the rise in employers’ national insurance contributions imposed by the Chancellor in her autumn budget. Alongside this rising costs and the wider economic situation are also taking their toll on the zoo’s finances.
The Wild Planet Trust’s stated intention is to continue the use of the site as a Zoo, with it being a critical part of work to preserve some of the world’s most endangered species. The site is protected from development due to it being listed as part of Torbay’s strategic tourism infrastructure under Torbay Council’s local plan; it is also next to Urban Landscape Protection areas which also restrict development.
As work continues to find a future for Paignton Zoo, Kevin Foster met up with Nigel Huddleston, the Shadow Secretary of State who covers tourism, to outline the situation at the Zoo, what needs to happen next and how he can support this and our bay in his shadow ministerial role.
Commenting Kevin Foster said: “Many are asking what can be done to help and the first is the most obvious: Visit Paignton Zoo or join as a member. Policy changes at a national level which could support the sector as a whole and our wider tourism economy will also help preserve the vital conservation work the zoo undertakes.”
“Paignton Zoo is a special part of our bay and I have plenty of childhood memories of time spent there. I will do all I can to help preserve it.”
An annual membership to Paignton Zoo costs £79 and you can find all the information you need to plan a visit on their website:
www.paigntonzoo.org.uk
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