A TROUBLED South Cumbrian zoo could have a new licence by this afternoon after operational improvements were noted by inspectors.

They have recommended Barrow Borough Council’s licensing committee grant a four-year licence to South Lakes Safari Zoo’s operating firm Cumbria Zoo Company (CZCL).

The controversial Dalton-in-Furness attraction has only remained open in recent weeks by virtue of appeals being lodged against a previous licence refusal and a closure order.

CZCL has been running the zoo since January 12, when leases and service agreements were signed with licence holder David Gill.

A fresh licence was refused for Mr Gill, the site’s founder, at a meeting in Barrow on March 6, when the licensing committee heard of a continued failure to comply with conditions and a shocking catalogue of animal deaths.

A closure order was made and Mr Gill subsequently appealed both decisions. Any licence awarded to CZCL would be subject to him withdrawing those appeals.

It now looks as though a new licence, with a host of conditions, could be awarded to CZCL, headed up by Karen Brewer.

In a report from the inspection on March 13 and 14, inspectors said: “We were impressed and highly encouraged by improvements made since the takeover of full management, the palpable change of culture and attitude of staff, their level of engagement, dedication and enthusiasm, and ambitious plans to move forward.”

The council’s licensing committee will meet on Tuesday after they conduct a site visit to view progress at the zoo for themselves.

It is not a foregone conclusion that a licence will be awarded, however, as documents at the meeting will also include representations from animal protection campaigners and residents of nearby Melton Terrace urging the council to close the zoo.

The recommendation to councillors is that they be minded to grant a four-year licence, with delegated authority being granted to the environmental health manager to issue the licence once Mr Gill’s appeals have been withdrawn.