Cheshire West and Chester Council has said the time has come for the iconic Noah’s Ark – on the roundabout outside Chester Zoo – to set sail.
The council said it has been in discussions with Chester Zoo about removing the ark, which has been a fixture on the roundabout just outside the zoo entrance for many years.
The ark was originally part of a submission for the RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park, and was subsequently placed outside the zoo for passers-by to enjoy.
The council’s deputy leader Cllr Karen Shore said: “Sadly, over time the ark has become tired and worn, and both the council and Chester Zoo have agreed that the time has come to remove it.”
Chester Zoo’s facilities director Cathy Lunn said: “For more than a decade the wooden ark has been positioned on the roundabout where the zoo entry road joins the A41.
“Sadly, over time it has now reached the point where it’s beyond repair.”
She added: “A new planted feature will take its place – but eventually we hope to find a suitable, long-term replacement for it; something which is fitting for our role as a world-leading centre for excellence in wildlife conservation and science.”
Meanwhile, the council is pursuing plans for high profile roundabouts in the borough as part of its Wildflower and Grasslands Strategy.
Cllr Shore said: “Residents want to see more colourful displays of pollinator flowers on our roads, to increase biodiversity and make the borough a more vibrant place to live.
“These roundabout displays will complement verges that will receive a relaxed mowing regime to encourage more native wildflowers.
“As well as increasing biodiversity, there will be a reduction in grass cutting machinery on the road, and fewer carbon emissions.”
What do you think about about the plans? What would you like to see replace the ark? Let us know in the comments…
