AN MP has written to two Government departments asking for clarity on when Colchester Zoo will be able to reopen.

Will Quince has contacted the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and Defra to explain the zoo's position and ask for further information on when the attraction might be able to welcome visitors again.

The Maldon Road facility has been closed for ten weeks but still faced bills of £25,000 a day.

Mr Quince said on Twitter: "Although the zoo is not in my constituency, it is hugely important to Colchester so I have written to the BEIS and DEFRA Secretaries of States regarding the timeline for zoos to re-open.

"Colchester Zoo is a commercial entity, not a charity and as such will no doubt have explored the comprehensive and unprecedented package of support measures made available by Chancellor Rishi Sunak and the Treasury alongside specific Defra support for zoos.

"Given the steps Colchester Zoo has taken to ensure social distancing and the safety of staff and visitors, I have written to the BEIS and DEFRA Secretaries of State regarding a timeline for permission for zoos to re-open. I will share the responses on receipt."