Spring start on revamp for Dudley Zoo

The attraction has £1 million to invest in its Castle Hill site to provide a new car park, a new entrance and new roads.

Xhief executive Peter Suddock said: "The new entrance is already off Tipton Road, and we know that the current arrangements are a bit difficult.

"People have to park there and then walk all the way around the front to get here."

Mr Suddock said the idea and plans were based on feedback from visitors.

"It's a very busy road, and at the moment it's very cold and nasty. It's certainly not ideal for visitors to be queueing there," he added.

The money will also see many of the roads within the zoo's grounds resurfaced.

Mr Suddock said: "Many of the roads have previously been dug up for drains, and it's a bit of a patch-work.

"Having those resurfaced will make a hell of a difference to everyone."

Much of the money needed for the project will come from the European Regional Development Fund.

It is part of a £4.8 million Castle Hill development scheme to provide a new car park, entrance and facelift for the area north of the zoo.