Having just spent £8 million upgrading the UK network of radio telescopes (e-Merlin) to maintain and extend the UK's world class position in this area of science, a new review by the government's Science and Technology Facilities Council is proposing to withdraw funding in order to save £2.5 million a year.
Jodrell Bank was a world first - at the time of Sputnik it was the only observatory in the world capable of receiving the satellite signals. Since then it has maintained its premier position, and the recent upgrade keeps the UK up there with the best. Closing it would severely damage Britain's scientific standing, and all to save a measly £2.5 million a year!
To put this figure into a context, it's the same as the amount claimed in expenses by cabinet ministers last year.
Sometimes I despair.
