OWNERS of a major south Cumbria attraction have announced five wooden viewing areas are being demolished after concerns were raised around their safety and 'rotten' condition.

South Lakes Safari Zoo made the announcement at the meeting of the licensing regulatory committee at Barrow Borough Council today, saying two wooden structures would remain, be adapted to meet safety standards and reopen.

It follows controversy surrounding concern over the strength and quality of timber used for the platforms.

Barrow Borough Council ruled the public walkways at the Dalton zoo should be shut on health and safety grounds in December.

The wooden areas which will remain are the snow leopard/wolf access ramp and the bear/worldwide safari walkway.

For more, see tomorrow's Evening Mail.