[aidanorourke]

Yes, of course, I hadn't thought of that. As with any building or facility under threat, the priority should be to keep it in use. Who knows in another few years, funding conditions may change but if it has been allowed to 'die' it cannot be brought back to life. Part of the attraction of the telescope is that it is there for a purpose, it is a working reminder of science in action, it isn't a folly, like Mow Cop, or a relic, like Beeston Castle.