ISSUES such as slippery surfaces and cold temperatures for animals at a south Cumbria zoo have been raised ahead of another crucial meeting.

Councillors from Barrow Borough Council are due to meet today at the authority's licensing regulatory committee to review the latest developments at South Lakes Safari Zoo in Dalton.

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Members will be asked to consider adding another condition on the attraction's licence in relation to animal welfare in the Africa House, home to rhinos, giraffes and zebras.

The attraction has been the subject of scrutiny, with the committee voting against renewing the licence owned by David Gill at a hearing in July.

Inspectors carried out another visit to the attraction on November 3 and a report to be discussed at today's meeting is expected to document three "areas of concern" in the accommodation block - the flooring and substrate, drainage, and heating.

It states the smooth concrete floor in the Africa House can act as a slip hazard, with one giraffe dying after slipping in June, and delays in installing a heating system.

The report before the meeting said: "The zoo has failed to provide a suitable environment to meet the welfare needs of the animals in the Africa House... The lack of provision was highlighted by inspectors in August 2016 but no progress had been made by November 3 2016.

"The colder winter months are imminent, and inadequate temperatures are already being experienced within the Africa House."

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Recent meetings have seen zoo management speak of improvements they have made.

Mr Gill's zoo licence is due to expire in January. One of the options available to him is to apply for a fresh licence.

The law gives a licence holder six months to start a new, separate application, but on the condition that notice is given at least two months in advance.