CHESTER ZOO will be closed today (Monday, February 21) due to Storm Franklin.

Persistent, strong gales are battering the Cheshire West and Chester area this morning, with gales of 60mph being recorded.

And that has meant, like last Friday when Storm Eunice caused disruption, Chester Zoo has been left with no alternative but to keep its gates closed for the day on safety grounds.

In a statement on social media, the zoo said: "We’re going to have to keep the zoo closed today (Monday 21 Feb). #StormFranklin has beaten us and it’s something we must do for the safety of our staff, visitors and animals.

"Zoo tickets: If you have tickets to the zoo for today then we’ve automatically extended them for a whole year until the end of Feb 2023. Just keep hold of your booking and you’ll be able to use them any time you like until then.

"We apologise for any disruption to your plans but we hope you understand. Our wonderful keepers are here making sure the animals are completely cared for. Thankfully, it’s predicted to be calmer tomorrow and so we hope to be open again, subject to early morning checks.

"Please check our website and social media channels for updates and confirmation. Take care out there and we look forward to seeing you all soon."

Elsewhere, the National Waterways Museum in Ellesmere Port has also announced it will remain closed for the day due to high winds.

Storm Franklin is expected to ease this afternoon, with this evening being the calmest weather the area has had for the past four days.

Follow our live blog for the latest Storm Franklin updates: https://www.chesterstandard.co.uk/news/19939250.live-storm-franklin-hits-cheshire-west-chester-area/