Jodrell Bank and its iconic 250ft wide Lovell Telescope in Cheshire is facing the axe in a move critics say threatens Britain's ambition to be a science superpower16:16, 27 Jul 2026Updated 16:17, 27 Jul 2026The iconic Jodrell Bank Observatory which houses Britain’s largest telescope is set to close due to government funding cuts.‌Scientists have criticised the plan to axe the observatory and its network of telescopes but funding body the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) agency insists it has to focus investment on projects that deliver "the greatest long-term impact".‌The site in Cheshire was set up in 1945 and pioneered radio astronomy and the study of the universe. It played a vital role for Nato in the Cold War by monitoring Soviet missiles during the height of nuclear tensions with the USSR and contributed to the US effort in the Space Race.‌Sue Ferns, deputy general secretary of the Prospect trade union, said: “Jodrell Bank is not just an iconic site in UK science in the North West of England, it is a facility that underpins our world leading research capabilities. Closing it would be a tragedy that undermines the mission for the UK to be a science superpower.”Jodrell Bank Observatory houses the 250ft wide Lovell Telescope - the third largest steerable radio telescope in the world - along with a series of smaller ones. It was established by Bernard Lovell, a radio astronomer at the University of Manchester, to investigate cosmic rays after his work on radar in the Second World War.‌Prof Simon Garrington, associate director of the Jodrell Bank Observatory, told BBC News that everyone there was "devastated" by the decision which will see it close on 1 April 2028 unless alternative funding can be found.He added: "It's not just because of the fantastic science that we do, but Jodrell Bank and its telescope network have been a national capability for nearly 70 years and a beacon for science in the north-west [of England], attracting young people into science and engineering careers.”‌The UKRI is making 2.7% cuts to astronomy, nuclear and particle physics research over the next four years in an effort to trim its £10 billion budget.It plans to end the £2.8 million Jodrell Bank budget after telling the BBC that planned research costs for physics and the running of its labs had escalated. Twenty-eight jobs are at risk and the closure could affect the work of around 3,000 scientists.‌Prof Michele Dougherty, executive chair at UKRI, said: "After listening to our community we have protected core discovery research. However, the situation does require some tough, but necessary, decisions. These are never easy choices, but we have made what we feel are the right decisions to bring... a sustainable financial position by 2029/30."The Jodrell Bank leadership team plan to challenge the decision whilst also trying to find alternative funding to keep the Lovell Telescope continuing in some form.‌Jodrell Bank’s contribution to science earned it Unesco World Heritage status in 2019 and it has featured in science fiction shows from the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy to Doctor Who.Paul Howarth, president of the Institute of Physics, said: “These cuts will come as a terrible blow to the scientific community and do real damage to the UK’s reputation as a place to research and innovate. Despite reassurances, physics has not been protected, crucial facilities remain under threat and jobs are being lost."Scientific capability that has taken years to build up is being put at risk by these decisions. They also threaten the future of one of the greatest symbols of physics in the UK - the iconic radio telescope at Jodrell Bank.Article continues below“For the sake of UK physics and our national reputation as a place to do science, conduct research and innovate we would urge the new government to review this ruinous set of decisions. “