A LEADING animal welfare group claims it has received 'hundreds of complaints' about the company set to take over Blackpool Zoo.

The Born Free Foundation is to oppose the handing over of Blackpool Council's zoo operating licence to Grant Leisure Group Ltd, which is due to be approved at a meeting today (Thursday).

Council bosses say they have thoroughly checked the credentials of the American firm.

The foundation - named after the film of the same name - was set up by actors Bill Travers and Virginia McKenna and campaigns internationally on animal issues.

Blackpool Zoo is currently owned and run by the council, but if the licence exchange is successful, Grant Leisure would take over operation from April 1 in a deal which is set to last 125 years.

The US-based group - headed by zoo entrepreneur Andy Grant - have been involved in a number of zoological projects around the world including Busch Gardens in Florida and zoos in London, Hong Kong, Kuwait and San Diego.

Mr Turner said: "Grant Leisure have handled the operation of many zoological sites under the claim of being committed to improving standards, but the only improvements we've noted have been in the profits, car parking and cafe facilities.

"Our only concerns are for the welfare of the zoo's animals and to provide the public with an educational environment where they can learn about different species and their future in the wild.

"Blackpool Zoo already has an unhealthy history of issues surrounding animal wellbeing and

we have received hundreds of complaints about Grant Leisure in the past.

"We do not feel they have the best interests of the zoo at heart and will be using the licencing committee as an opportunity to question the group about their intentions for the zoo and it's inhabitants."

But a council spokeswoman has defended the hand-over by claiming that they have conducted extensive research into Grant Leisure's "credibility", and says the exchange will go ahead.

She said: "We have taken the decision to transfer the operation of the Zoo enabling Grant Leisure to carry out improvement plans.

"This move followed extensive references which were taken up both in respect of Grant Leisure's financial and operational credibility.

"Excellent references were received from both San Diego Zoo and Woburn Safari Park.

"As part of the negotiations the Council has instigated a rigorous programme of controls to ensure the zoo's high standards are maintained and the Public Protection Committee will continue to enforce the Zoo Licensing Act.

"The transfer will take place early in April and the existing team and codes of practices will be transferred and maintained to further ensure animal welfare."