Future looks brighter for telescope

The government has said it is "exploring" long-term options for Jodrell Bank Observatory, home to the UK's largest telescope, after its future was put at risk.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds told the House of Commons that the facility had a "secure future" and he had recently met staff at the University of Manchester, which runs the project, to explore potential solutions.

In July, the funding body - UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) - said the site in Cheshire would not be prioritised for further investment after its current agreement ends in March 2028.

But in September, Prime Minister Andy Burnham pledged he would find a way to save the telescope.

The Lovell telescope, which has stood at the site near Knutsford since 1957, is the third largest of its kind in the world.

The Civic Pride scheme will form part of a major programme called Operation TLC if Cabinet support the proposals today