Animal welfare protesters staged a protest in Sandbach against plans for a new zoo and wildlife conservation park.

Angry protesters from Merseyside Animal Rights and Alsager Animal Rights stood outside Cheshire East Council HQ, Westfields.

Protesters are outraged at mobile zoo, Zoo2U's application to build a zoo on Twemlow Lane near Holmes Chapel.

But the company, Zoo2U, say the application is "simply a relocation of their existing collection". 

The company, formed 10 years ago, left its former premises at Hall Farm in Alsager at Christmas time.

Merseyside Animal Rights spokesperson, Katy Brown, told sister site, Sandbach Nub News: "It would be destroying green space to house animals in cages.

Katy Brown

"We do not need new zoos (or any zoos) in the 21st century.

"There are other reasons why we should not be building new infrastructure, especially in green areas like this proposal intends.

"There are badgers living nearby and other animals that this build will have a huge impact on, destroying their homes and their ability to find food.

"We have taken away so much of our green spaces over the last 50 years.

"It is time we stop destroying natural habitats and focus on protecting what we have."

Now campaigners are urging local people to contact their local councillor and ask them to reject the planning application.  

But a spokesperson for Zoo2U said: "Zoo2U has been operating for more than 10 years.

"In that time we have added significant value to the community, specifically inspiring the next generation of conservationists and zoologists.

"This proposal is simply a relocation of our existing collection. 

"To date we have never had any issues from animal rights. 

"Regarding the proposed site, it is grazing land, used frequently by cattle, and is not a natural habitat."