Jodrell Bank is under threat because of the potential impact of cuts to one of the Government’s science funding agencies, councillors fear.
The observatory is home to the iconic Lovell Telescope, the headquarters of the national e-Merlin radio telescope network, the global headquarters of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) and the Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement.
But the Science and Technology Facilities Council is currently undertaking “funding prioritisation exercises” in response to wider financial pressures across the research system.
Cheshire East councillors are calling for the council and local MPs to highlight to the Government the importance of Jodrell Bank.
A notice of motion tabled for this week’s meeting of full council said : “Jodrell Bank Observatory is one of the United Kingdom’s most significant scientific institutions and one of Cheshire East’s most important cultural, educational and economic assets.
“It continues to contribute to world-leading scientific discovery while inspiring future generations to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
“Facilities such as e-Merlin support a large international research community and are recognised as important components of the UK’s scientific infrastructure.
“The observatory and visitor centre attract significant numbers of visitors each year including school groups, contributing to the local economy and strengthening Cheshire East’s reputation as a place of innovation and learning.”
With regard to the STFC “funding prioritisation exercises”, the motion said: “These processes could result in changes to funding allocations across a range of scientific programmes, and national facilities.
“The Jodrell Bank Observatory (including e-Merlin) may be affected as part of those decisions.
“Council recognises that funding decisions remain subject to national prioritisation processes, but believes that the strategic importance of Jodrell Bank warrants strong and continued support.”
In 2019, Jodrell Bank was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The motion, which is proposed by councillors Janet Clowes (Conservative) and Lata Anderson (Independent) and seconded by councillors Russell Chadwick (Con) and Craig Browne (Ind) said: “Public investment in Jodrell Bank, including e-Merlin and associated infrastructure, must be protected to deliver long-term value.”
The motion asked council to give the go-ahead for the chief executive to write to the minister of state for science, research and innovation to highlight the importance of Jodrell Bank Observatory and the potential implications of national funding decisions.
It also called for the chief executive to write to all Cheshire East MPs for their support in ensuring that the importance of Jodrell Bank is recognised in future funding decisions.
It added: “Council reaffirms its support for Jodrell Bank Observatory as a major scientific, educational and economic asset for the borough.”
The motion was expected to be debated in full at a Cheshire East Council meeting last month, which was taking place in the SKA Observatory, at Jodrell Bank.
