Ben Fletcher, the Conservative candidate for Mayor of Cheshire and Warrington, has launched a petition calling for long-term support to secure Jodrell Bank's future. If you believe this internationally recognised scientific institution deserves continued backing, you can add your name to the campaign today.
Sign the petition here: https://tally.so/r/obYMAP
Residents across Cheshire are being invited to take part in a new survey exploring how much people value Jodrell Bank and what they believe its future should look like amid uncertainty over its long-term funding.
Jodrell Bank is one of Cheshire's most recognisable landmarks and one of the world's leading centres for radio astronomy. Home to the iconic Lovell Telescope and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is internationally recognised for its scientific research, educational outreach and contribution to the local visitor economy. However, uncertainty surrounding future funding has raised concerns about the future of its world-leading scientific work.
Read the article here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5y6r9rdxygo
The Survey
The survey asks residents to share their views on the importance of Jodrell Bank for science and innovation, highly skilled employment, education, tourism and the wider Cheshire economy. It also asks whether the Government should work with the University of Manchester and UK Research and Innovation to secure a long-term funding solution that protects the observatory's future.
The findings will be shared with decision-makers to demonstrate the strength of local opinion and help make the case for protecting one of Britain's most important scientific institutions.
The Organiser
Sean Houlston has long held a personal passion for astronomy and space exploration. Alongside his work in business and education, he has spent many years following developments in astrophysics and was part of a research team which identified an uncatalogued exoplanets.
Sean Houlston is a local council candidate for Sandbach East and Central on Cheshire East Council. He regularly campaigns on issues affecting South Cheshire, including skills, infrastructure, heritage, innovation and economic growth. He believes institutions such as Jodrell Bank play a vital role in inspiring future generations of scientists, engineers and innovators while cementing Britain's place at the forefront of scientific discovery.
