THE campaign to reopen Chester Zoo and the Blue Planet Aquarium has taken a significant step forward.

There was a huge public outcry this week when Chester Zoo revealed it was fighting for its future due to the Government-enforced indefinite closure.

With visitor income making up 97 per cent of the hugely popular attraction's total income, Chester Zoo chief operating officer Jamie Christon revealed on Wednesday the zoo was losing £1 million a month.

The same day, the Blue Planet Aquarium in Cheshire Oaks expressed frustration with the Government, saying it was "very unfair" it was unable to reopen whereas the nearby Cheshire Oaks shopping park was able to reopen its stores next week.

The problems all centred on a change to the Government's coronavirus legislation this week, which now specifically bans zoos, aquariums, safari parks and other attractions such as theme parks from reopening. Previously such places were not mentioned in the regulations, giving hope that some of these venues could be reopened with safe social distancing measures.

However, after petitions have been set up amassing thousands of signatures and numerous politicians contacted the Government urging them to reconsider the regulations, there has been a positive development.

The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which represents both Chester Zoo and the Blue Planet Aquarium, among dozens of other UK animal attractions, has secured a Parliamentary debate scheduled for next week.

A statement on its website said: "BIAZA is pleased to announce that we have been able to secure a debate in UK parliament about the crisis facing zoos, aquariums and organisations dedicated to animal welfare.

"This debate will be held on Thursday, June 11. It is now essential that MPs speak up for zoos and aquariums in this crisis.

"The debate was secured through the efforts of BIAZA’s Public Affairs Working Group (PAWG) and the APPG for zoos and aquariums led by Andrew Rosindell MP.

"It is now essential that MPs speak up for zoos and aquariums in this crisis and should use the debate on 11th of June to do so."

BIAZA has urged the public to send messages to their MPs asking them to attend the debate and demonstrate the urgent need for Government support.

Locally, both Labour and Tory MPs are behind the campaign to reopen Chester Zoo, with the Labour MPs for Chester, Ellesmere Port and Neston and Weaver Vale Chris Matheson, Justin Madders and Mike Amesbury all writing a letter to the Government calling for Chester Zoo to be reopened.

Similarly, Alyn and Deeside Labour MP Mark Tami has also written a letter to the Government, while Warrington North MP Charlotte Nicholls said she was happy to work with Chris Matheson on the campaign.

For the Conservatives, Wrexham MP Sarah Atherton, Eddisbury MP Edward Timpson, Knutsford MP Esther McVey, Warrington South MP Andy Carter and Crewe and Nantwich MP Kieran Mullen have all expressed their concerns, with some lobbying to see Chester Zoo reopened "as soon as possible".

Dr Cerian Tatchley, senior manager at BIAZA, said: "It is vital that as many people as possible show their support for zoos at this time of crisis.

"We know that millions would normally be enjoying a visit to our members, but as the Government has forced our zoos close their incomes have dropped to zero."

BIAZA added: "In addition to asking MPs to attend the debate, BIAZA believe it will be useful to ask a question of the Government at one of the televised daily briefings.

"We are asking as many people as possible to submit a similar question to this: When uncontrolled outdoor areas and non-essential retail can open, why won’t the Government allow zoos and safari parks which can offer controlled outdoor experiences the flexibility to open and the financial support they need?"

It added: "We are aware of many petitions being submitted to this effect.

"Petitions can be excellent ways of demonstrating public support, but as petitions secure parliamentary debates and we have already achieved this we have decided to focus our lobbying efforts on other actions at this time."

In the meantime, more than £1.6 million has been raised in just under 48 hours in the fight to keep Chester Zoo going.

People can donate at https://www.chesterzoo.org/saveourzoo/