Zoo to be run by private firm

The council will retain ownership of Blackpool Zoo

The last major council-run zoo in England is to be handed over to a private company to run.

Blackpool Zoo will be handled by Grant Leisure after councillors voted in favour of the move on Wednesday night.

It will take over the day-to-day operation of the attraction from April.

The firm has agreed to invest at least £5m in the zoo over the next 10 years and a further £5m if the lease is extended.

Blackpool Council will retain ownership of the venue as part of the deal.

It decided to hand over day-to-day control because it could not afford the investment needed to improve the zoo's facilities.