AN animal park was too unsafe to be allowed to reopen to the public, a council has said.

Mistley Place Park has closed permanently after being given a list of demands to upgrade the facility.

The owners said they have now taken the decision to retire despite a crowdfunding page being set up to help raise funds for the repairs.

A spokesman for Tendring Council said: “Following a routine inspection of Mistley Place Park, it was noted there were a number of health and safety risks to the public.

“Due to the amount of work required the owners decided to close the park and informed the council of their decision.

“Subsequently the owners decided to undertake repairs and provide essential hand washing to the park as well as a number of other works required.

“At the park owners’ request council officers attended at the end of last week to inspect the works carried out.

“However, they were found to still be well below the standards required for public safety.

“The council has, therefore, informed the owners that the park cannot remain open until those standards are met.”

Although the animal park has closed to the public, the tearoom will remain open.

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