Chester Zoo is closing its original Caughall Road entrance to all zoo day visitors, members and adopters from the end of the month.
The gatehouse on Caughall Road, Upton, is currently used as a pedestrian entrance for day visitors and is also used for deliveries to the zoo.
But after March 31 all visitors will be asked to use the main entrance, the Diamond Jubilee Quarter. The only exception will be guests attending an event, day or night, at the Oakfield.
Visitors attending events at the Oakfield are also asked to refrain from parking on Caughall Road or neighbouring streets and use the facilities available to them.
In a letter to members, zoo director general Dr Mark Pilgrim said: “The Diamond Jubilee Quarter is the zoo's first public open space and was opened with many aims in mind including as a fast track into the zoo for members and for those who purchase their tickets on line.
“As we are starting work on our lslands project, out of consideration for our neighbours on Caughall Road and for reasons of health and safety, we will be closing the gatehouse entrance to all zoo day visitors, members and adopters from March 31 2014. Access for all will be via the main entrance.”
Unhappy zoo member Charles Leach, from St Asaph, told Dr Pilgrim by letter: “I have always seen “entry to the Zoo” via the Time Office as a members’ privilege away from the hurly-burly and commercialism of the Diamond Jubilee Quarter.
“I am certain that many members will feel the same way as I do about the closure of the gate house for entry.
“Again the Zoo has faced members with a fait accompli and I feel that members should have been consulted before this decision was made especially as you keep thanking us for our continued support of the zoo.”
