Fate of Pudsey Park visitor centre staff and animals revealed after permanent closure confirmed

The West Leeds Country Park Visitor Centre has been closed as part of cost-cutting measures by Leeds Council in the new budget, despite much opposition from the community of Pudsey

It has now been revealed that the staff from the centre - which has been closed for more than 12 months due to Covid restrictions - will now replace casual and seasonal animal keeper staff at Tropical World and Lotherton in the city.

The centre also housed indigenous species ranging from birds and mammals to fish.

The report stated that the animals would be ‘safely and sensitively’ relocated to other collections in line with the guidelines set out by the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

The council will now consider options for future use of the site, which cost £90,000 a year to run.

Previous plans to move the location of the play park will not go ahead following backlash from the community during the consultation.

Pudsey councillor Simon Seary, speaking to the YEP, said he believed the "views of the community" had been ignored following the consultation period.

However, he added: "We will work with the council to ensure the building is given a new lease of life, which will be an asset to Pudsey Park."