Cheshire East leaders warn of Jodrell Bank science loss

beehiveweb.co.uk editorial team 2026-07-29 12:07 3 min read

The iconic Lovell Telescope at Jodrell Bank silhouetted against a vibrant orange sunset.

Leaders in Cheshire East are urging the Government to protect Jodrell Bank Observatory after reports that UK Research and Innovation plans to withdraw its funding, putting scientific observations at risk from April 2028.

Cheshire East Council and Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority have written to the secretary of state for science, research and innovation. They are asking ministers to maintain the observatory’s £2.8 million annual funding for another five years while a long-term arrangement is developed.

What is at risk at Jodrell Bank

The possible funding withdrawal concerns the active scientific work that gives Jodrell Bank national and international significance. The site is home to the Lovell Telescope and the headquarters of the national e-Merlin radio telescope network.

The leaders said Jodrell Bank remains closely associated with UK radio astronomy and the wider international science network linked to the Square Kilometre Array Observatory. Its UNESCO World Heritage Site status recognises its contribution to the history of science, but the observatory also continues to support research, skills, innovation and public engagement.

Reports cited by the councils indicate that scientific observations could cease from April 2028 unless alternative arrangements are secured. The source statement does not say that all activity at the site would end.

Cheshire East backs a five-year funding bridge

At a full council meeting on 15 July 2026, Cheshire East unanimously reaffirmed its support for Jodrell Bank as a scientific, educational, cultural and economic asset.

Cheshire East leaders warn of Jodrell Bank science loss

Councillor Nick Mannion, leader of Cheshire East Council, Councillor Michael Gorman, deputy leader, and Councillor Stewart Gardiner, leader of the opposition, were asked to write to the Government. Councillor Louise Gittins, chair of Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority and leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, also joined the appeal.

The councils argue that a further five years of UKRI funding would give partners time to assess alternative funding models, build partnerships and establish the facility’s full national value across research, skills, innovation, space resilience, public engagement and heritage.

What happens to visitors, teaching and outreach

The reported UKRI decision does not necessarily mean that teaching, outreach, visitor activity or research funded internally by the University of Manchester would stop. The future of the site is also linked to the university’s medium- and long-term strategy for the asset.

The councils’ concern is that losing the active scientific function could permanently reduce Jodrell Bank’s research capability and weaken the wider regional benefits associated with the observatory. Their letter warns that an irreversible loss should be avoided while other options are properly examined.

The next confirmed step is the Government’s consideration of the request to retain £2.8 million a year for a further five-year period.

Source: Cheshire East Council

Context & actions About this article

Source check Source trail

This report follows the published Cheshire East Council response and separates confirmed council action from the reported future funding risk.

Checks

Confirmed the full council date of 15 July 2026
Checked the proposed £2.8 million annual funding figure
Checked the reported April 2028 date for possible cessation of scientific observations
Distinguished scientific activity from teaching, outreach and visitor operations

Cheshire East Council Check wider reporting