Jodrell Bank has lost its funding and could face closure.

All scientific observations at Jodrell are to cease on the April 1, 2028, unless alternative funding can be found, the BBC has reported.

The UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) agency says it has to cut the site's £2.8 million annual budget as the costs of planned research and the running of its labs have escalated.

This puts 28 jobs at risk, with the closure also impacting the work of nearly 3,000 scientists who use the site in their research.

Professor Michael Kramer from the University of Manchester told BBC News the decision is 'scientifically, technologically as well as economically short-sighted'.

He added: "Internationally, people will look at that and will hardly believe it.

"You're cutting off the radio astronomy capability in the country."

The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), part of UKRI, released a statement on Monday, July 27, explaining that a 'prioritisation exercise' was carried out to determine where future investment will deliver the greatest long-term impact and ensure STFC reaches a sustainable financial position.

As a result of this, a decision was made to withdraw funding from e-MERLIN at the end of its current funding agreement in 2028.

e-MERLIN is a network of seven telescopes across England, including the Lovell Telescope at Jodrell Bank.

Together, these telescopes can zoom into objects in deep space and see them in detail, with a similar resolution to the Hubble space telescope.

A UKRI spokesperson said: "STFC has undertaken a rigorous prioritisation process to focus investment on the areas that will deliver the greatest long-term scientific capability, impact and value for the UK, while maintaining a sustainable Particle Physics, Astronomy and Nuclear Physics portfolio.

"The decision to withdraw funding from e-MERLIN at the end of its current funding agreement is the result of a comprehensive, evidence-based prioritisation process.

"As part of this, STFC is focusing investment on the areas that will deliver the greatest long-term scientific capability and value, including the next generation of world-leading radio astronomy facilities.

"STFC continues to invest in Jodrell Bank's future through its support for the UK's hosting of the SKAO headquarters, which is already delivering significant benefits to the University of Manchester and the North West.

"The current e-MERLIN funding agreement runs until March 2028, providing time to explore alternative funding arrangements."

Professor Simon Garrington, associate director of the Jodrell Bank Observatory, said the team at Jodrell were 'devastated' by the decision but added that it will be challenged.

However, should these discussions fail, the leadership team will do all it can to find alternative funding to keep the iconic Lovell Telescope continuing in some form.

"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," professor Garrington told the BBC.

"It is a huge hill to climb to try to establish a new way to fund this if UKRI will not fund any of it."

Jodrell Bank and the UKRI have been approached for further information.