Councillors Seek Support for Jodrell Bank Amid Funding Concerns
Councillors are calling for government support for Jodrell Bank as a national review raises concerns about the future funding of major science facilities.
By Chester Standard
Cheshire East councillors are calling for greater protection for Jodrell Bank amid concerns that changes to national science funding could affect the observatory and the e-MERLIN radio telescope network.
A notice of motion due to go before the full council describes the site as one of the UK’s most important scientific institutions and a major cultural, educational and economic asset for the borough.
The concern follows a review by the Science and Technology Facilities Council of its funding priorities as it responds to wider financial pressures across the research sector.
No specific reduction in funding for Jodrell Bank has been confirmed. However, councillors fear decisions taken through the review could have consequences for the observatory and the national facilities based there.
Jodrell Bank is home to the Grade I-listed Lovell Telescope and serves as the headquarters of e-MERLIN, a network of seven radio telescopes spread across the UK and operated by the University of Manchester on behalf of the STFC.
The array is used by scientists in Britain and overseas to study subjects including galaxies, stars, black holes and the formation of planetary systems.
Councillor Janet Clowes, who represents Wybunbury, said the site also plays an important role in encouraging young people to consider careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
The motion states that e-MERLIN supports a large international research community and forms an important part of the UK’s scientific infrastructure.
It also points to Jodrell Bank’s value beyond scientific research.
The observatory and visitor centre attract school groups and other visitors, supporting the local economy and strengthening Cheshire East’s reputation as a centre for science, innovation and learning.
Jodrell Bank Observatory was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019 in recognition of its role in the development of radio astronomy.
Councillor Lata Anderson, who represents Wilmslow Dean Row, said the current funding review had created uncertainty about the effect future spending decisions could have on the site.
The motion calls on Cheshire East Council to support continued public investment in the observatory and its associated scientific infrastructure.
It asks the council’s chief executive to write to the Minister of State for Science, Research and Innovation, setting out Jodrell Bank’s importance and the potential local and national consequences of funding reductions.
Local MPs would also be asked to press the government to recognise the facility’s scientific, educational and economic value.
The proposal has been put forward by councillors Clowes and Anderson and seconded by councillors Russell Chadwick and Craig Browne.
It is due to be discussed at the full council meeting at the SKA Observatory at Jodrell Bank on Wednesday, July 15, at 11am.
The motion does not decide the observatory’s funding. If approved, it would establish the council’s formal position and authorise representations to ministers and MPs.