A gardening club is questioning Chester Zoo’s commitment to the community after being forced to close its stores hut on zoo land which served as a meeting place for members.

Upton-by-Chester Horticultural Society (UHS) had operated the hut since 1983 after it relocated from its original location in Long Lane where it had stood since 1948.

But the zoo says that for insurance reasons it is now required to fence off the area where the hut is located off Caughall Road, Upton.

Reg Morris, left, then chairman of Upton-by-Chester Horticultural Society, with then Chester Zoo director Dr Michael Brambell at the society's hut off Caughall Road.

Keen gardener Peter Carman, whose wife Wendy is the society chairman, said: “It was a sad day at the end of October when a local community club that celebrates its 70th anniversary next year was forced to close its store supply hut after being evicted by Chester Zoo.

“Upton-by-Chester Horticultural Society had operated its stores hut, where members could buy their gardening requisites at reduced cost, from a garage on zoo land in Upton for 32 years having been invited to do so by the then director Dr Michael Brambell, with the support of the then head gardener, the late Mr Walter Worth, who would later become a long-serving president of the society.”

Mr Carman said the hut was only open for one-and-a-half hours each week during the season from February to October each year.

A press cutting showing the opening of Upton-by-Chester Horticultural Society's hut off Caughall Road in 1983 with then Chester Zoo director Dr Michael Brambell and then society chairman Reg Morris.

He added: “This was not a huge amount of time but it did provide the society with much needed funds for running its meetings and also three flower shows per year which are open free to the public. More than this, however, it was a weekly point of contact throughout the season, a place where members could drop in for friendly advice whether they needed supplies or not.

“It was this weekly contact point that gave members a much better bond far beyond that which can be achieved by a once-a-month meeting. This is what has kept UHS strong during a period in which other clubs of a similar nature in the surrounding area have struggled and in many cases closed with the subsequent loss to the communities in general.”

Mr Carman, who hopes the society will continue to thrive, added: “The society occupied the land on a peppercorn rent under a formal agreement and during that time there have been no problems and current and past members are very grateful for the 32 years. However, without warning the society received a notice to quit at the beginning of the season from the Zoo’s agent - albeit not legally valid, the society actually had to provide a copy of the legal document as the zoo did not have one!

Chester Zoo MD Jamie Christon
Chester Zoo MD Jamie Christon

“Despite approaches to the current managing director Jamie Christon asking for him to reconsider the eviction, this was to no avail and a legal notice was this time received. When asked for a reason why, the society was told ‘it was for security reasons’ - a little difficult to understand when the hut is only 20 yards from the public road, away from the actual zoo and has run for 32 years without problems.”

Mr Carman, who lives in Upton, continued: “Mr Christon did try to pacify the society by saying that they would try to find an alternative location but the notice should be treated as a termination. As no alternative has been offered the society finally vacated the premises, having to sell remaining stock off at a loss. Members have been left wondering whether the current Chester Zoo management has any thought for local people?

“It is ironic that if you visit the Chester Waitrose branch of John Lewis this month and look at the charity boxes you will see that Chester Zoo is one of this month's recipients for money under the partnership’s charity Community Matters. It is a shame that Mr Christon and his fellow directors think otherwise.”

A spokesperson for Chester Zoo said: “We are proud members of the local community so it has been a pleasure to host the Upton-by-Chester Horticultural Society over the years. Sadly, we have seen an increase in trespassers in this area off Caughall Road and for insurance reasons are now required to fence the area off, providing greater security for the zoo.

"As a charity, we are obliged to ensure we do not suffer damage or loss so we can focus our resources on conserving some of the planet’s most endangered species, both here and around the world. As such, earlier this year we were sorry to provide the society with six months’ notice to find an alternative location for their stores but we are working with Upton Parish Council to help find them a new location.”

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