THE owner of a major south Cumbrian tourist attraction has been denied a new licence to keep it open.

David Gill, founder of South Lakes Safari Zoo at Dalton-in-Furness, had applied to Barrow Borough Council for a new six-year licence following the expiry of his existing one.

But the authority's licensing committee today (March 6) rejected the application.

A detailed inspectors' report was read out at the meeting which included recommendations to refuse the granting of a licence.

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The decision does not mean the zoo will close immediately, with Mr Gill now having 28 days to appeal the decision. The licence would also remain active for the duration of any appeal.

Councillors are expected to consider another licence application to run the zoo in the coming weeks. That application has been submitted by Cumbria Zoo Company Limited, who have been operating the zoo since January.

See more in this Thursday's edition of the Westmorland Gazette.