A QUESTION mark hangs over the future of the animal enclosure at Lilford Park in Leigh.

The Leigh mini zoo, which would have been axed 10 years ago but for a massive community campaign, has been closed to the public since the outbreak of foot and mouth and remains out of bounds despite a general relaxation of restrictions elsewhere.

A Wigan Council spokesman said: "The foot and mouth issue has thankfully been resolved but unforeseen staffing difficulties have not.

"This has hindered our efforts to reopen the park as have new government guidelines on the keeping of animals issued in the light of the foot and mouth outbreak.

"The situation remains under review and we hope to make a decision next week."