A DISTRICT judge branded two solicitors a “disgrace” and accused them of playing “silly beggars” over a zoo's licence to operate.

The case involved David Gill's appeal after council leaders refused to renew a licence to run South Lakes Safari Zoo in Dalton.

District judge Gerald Chalk said the solicitors representing Mr Gill and Barrow Borough Council were being "discourteous to the court" at a hearing today.

The outburst came after Steve Walker, representing Mr Gill, and Paul O'Donnell, representing Barrow Borough Council, failed to present the court with their written arguments.

District judge Chalk called this a delaying tactic ahead of Cumbria Zoo Company's own licence application on Tuesday.

He said: "I am staggered none of you decided to prepare written arguments for today.

"I don't think either of you are doing anything about this appeal. Why hasn't there been any correspondence?

"These are separate proceedings and at the moment we're playing silly beggars.

"You are both a disgrace and are being discourteous to this court by failing to provide anything."

Zoo founder David Gill was refused a licence by Barrow Borough Council in March and lodged an appeal last month.

That allowed South Lakes Safari Zoo to remain open to the public while Cumbria Zoo Company, of which Mr Gill is not a director, had its own application was processed.

The council will make the landmark ruling on the zoo's future at a hearing on Tuesday at the town hall, where it is expected to grant the licence to the new company.

Mr Walker indicated his clients wish to withdraw the appeal should Cumbria Zoo Company's application be successful.

Mr Gill was not present at Furness Magistrates' Court for the appeal.

A five-day hearing is to be fixed in due course, where the matter will be resolved.

It comes days after government zoo inspectors praised the transformation of the under-fire zoo.

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Inspectors back new licence for zoo where nearly 500 animals died within 4 years.

David Gill appeals Dalton zoo licence refusal.

New licence refused for zoo where almost 500 animals died in four years.