LILFORD Park's mini zoo is to close next year after the animals have been rehoused.

This weeks decision has devastated long serving keeper, Paul Brown, who built the present animal enclosure from scratch over 20 years ago.

The council employee who has since spent seven days a week caring for the animals said he was too stunned to think, but was sure there would be protests.

The closure proposal follows advice received from an independent consultant and new government guidelines on the keeping of animals issued in the light of the foot and mouth disaster.

The zoo has been closed to the public since the outbreak in February and remains out of bounds.

It houses six llamas, two emus, wallabies, donkeys, Shetland ponies, water fowl, rabbits and guinea pigs.

The new measures call for upgraded facilities which would cost the council taxpayer £25,000 and increased food bills after gifts of surplus food from Leigh traders had to be halted.

Director of Leisure, Rodney Hill, said: "A registered zoo inspector advised that we would have to carry out significant improvements to fencing, pens, shelters and sheds to comply with licensing requirements for zoos.

"While the zoo inspector's recommendations were being considered the foot and mouth outbreak resulted in the closure of the animal park and stringent restrictions on staff access.

"Since its closure, feeding legislation means that Waterfields Bakery can no longer donate bread products from their Leigh site because meat products are made there. This has resulted in increases in food bills and therefore added to the weight of argument in favour of closure.

"Since Haigh Zoo shut in 1995 the Lilford site has been the only facility where animals are kept in captivity. Since then visitors have averaged just 7,500 a year and the annual subsidy has been £75,000.

"We have had to think long and hard and regretfully feel that the enclosure does not provide best value and that the investment needed to maintain it is not available."

Most of the animals are owned by the council but some have been loaned. They will be rehoused with the help of the RSPCA and the process will take several months.

Mr Hill said: "We would like to thank Waterfields and Leigh market traders who have donated surplus food over the years.

"Of more immediate concern is the future of the three staff who will be found alternative employment within the council."

Use of the land the site occupies has yet to be finalised but it is expected £20,000 will be spent to clear the area and re-integrate it within the main body of the park."

Leigh Councillor Brian Jarvis said: "No doubt some people will be upset. Lots of children like seeing the animals but it takes a lot of money to keep them and it can't be justified. I love animals and their welfare is paramount.

"The zoo was never really planned it just developed. It will be wound up over the next six months.

"We have had a good keeper in Paul Brown and he should be commended. With limited resources he has done a magnificent job."