Jodrell Bank Telescope under threat

[Phil Blinkhorn]

Having just had £8 million spent on it to upgrade the structure and equipment, the Jodrell Bank Radio Telescope is now threatened with closure after the Government has indicated it may withdraw its partial funding of the site.

Apart from being a superb research instrument, the Telescope is the UK's most (and possibly only) recognised symbol of the country's involvement in Space.

Whilst no final decision has been taken, the scientists and administrators have been warned of the distinct possibility that funds will no longer be available and they are worried.

Another hairbrained piece of thinking from London based Civil Servants or is there really no need for the UK to be at the forefront of scientific research?

[aidanorourke]

Sometimes, I cannot believe what I am reading in the news. After the shocking news a few years ago that Jodrell Bank might be closed, the threat was somehow averted and considerable renovation was carried out.

Now yet again, the future of the telescope is in doubt. I don't need to repeat why the telescope should be saved, but the most important for me is simply the 'inspirational' factor.

If it were to disappear from the Cheshire horizon, that, to me, would be a terrible blow and would send out hidden and destructive shock waves throughout the region.

There is something fundamentally wrong with the way we are running things.

[Phil Blinkhorn]

Of course one of the factors in this is that the structure is a listed building so, if funding is withdrawn, how is the telescope to be maintained?

[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.

[Henry Mantell]

The money spent so far and needed to fund in future is small in comparison to the large hole in the ground in Stratford which depending on which consultant report will have needed 6-8bn to bring to operation in Summer 2012.Incidentally one report despite Freedom of Information requests has not been published.
Metropolitan police costed their Olympic measures at £600m for Olympic security recently, which is being paid for by London community charge payers precepts unless and until Home Office grant money for it.
No budget is known for the overall cost despite government being criticised for lack of transparency and the minister is the same as brought Manchester the casino which isn't now going to happen!
The lack of government finance for almost any other project funding finance has appeared to dry up with deferred bids being the order of the day.
The current large hole begins to be filled in May 2008, three months ahead of schedule.
Jodrell bank is regional centre of excellence, a unique national asset and listed building all combined in a part of our scientific tradition and future. It's problem is it isn't in the South East and doesn't have political recognition as prestigious short lived event!

[Henry Mantell]

Centre for Economics and Business research report using Government's own statistics indicate that several regions rely more on taxpayer handouts than from private enterprise. The report analyses the growth in government spending on regions and the growth in public sector share of Gross Domestic Product since 2001 election from 39 per cent to 43 per cent, that's even higher than the German economy.
In addition to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland the North West is the greatest beneficiary. By comparison the lowest is the South east with 34.1 of the state share of the economy. No detail of that is defined as East London corridor, but I feel the Olympic blank cheque must be high in there!
Jodrell Bank may be a casualty of dawning realisation that this policy has reached limit of economic feasibility and having grown so quickly regional public sector spending will now have to be curbed.

[aidanorourke]

I went on a school trip to Jodrell Bank from my primary school Our Lady's, in Edgeley, Stockport. I was fascinated with the oscilloscopes, small rockets and smaller dishes as well as, of course, the giant dish. It made me feel close to space exploration at the time of the moon landings. I didn't go on to become an astronaut or astronomer, but it certainly had a positive effect. I am going to take my 6 year old daughter there as soon as possible, just in case.

[Phil Blinkhorn]

The work of Jodrell Bank telescope will continue after a funding programme was agreed it was announced today.

[aidanorourke]

Thank goodness for that! Must take my daughter there some time soon!