Cheshire East to urge government to protect Jodrell Bank funding

Cheshire East Council plans to write to the government to advocate for the protection of Jodrell Bank's funding amid concerns of possible cuts by the Science and Technology Facilities Council.

Located near Holmes Chapel, Jodrell Bank is home to the iconic Lovell Telescope and serves as the headquarters for the national e-Merlin radio telescope network and the global Square Kilometre Array (SKA). Funding prioritisation exercises could jeopardise the observatory's future.

During a recent council meeting at Jodrell Bank, experts highlighted its critical contribution to UK science and technological innovation. Jodrell Bank has played a key role in advancements such as Wi-Fi technology through its radio astronomy origins, offering unpredictable but potentially significant future discoveries.

The observatory also significantly boosts the local economy. Its visitor centre attracted an estimated £4.7 million for the year 2024/25, drawing 125,000 visitors annually, including 25,000 school pupils, and serving as a major science tourism location.

Cheshire East councillors expressed support for maintaining funding, citing the immense scientific and economic value offered by the observatory. Jodrell Bank's strategic utility in defence and space observation supports its continued operation.

The council will write to the Minister of State for Science, reinforcing the crucial role of Jodrell Bank in national and scientific development, and highlighting the ramifications of funding alterations.

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