JODRELL Bank’s future is now looking brighter thanks to funding secured from science officials.

The Science and Technology Facilities Council has agreed to contribute part of the costs of the e-Merlin radio telescope array until at least 2010.

But Dr Tim O’Brien, head of outreach at Jodrell Bank, said plans to save the observatory were not yet finalised.

He said: “We’re pleased that they’ve recognised the scientific importance of e-Merlin and discussions are ongoing.”

In March, Jodrell Bank and its iconic Lovell Telescope looked doomed after officials planned to withdraw funding for e-Merlin, which is used for much of the observatory’s astrological research.

But an outcry from the public and science community made them reconsider.

Liberal Democrat parliamentary hopeful Dr Jo Crotty added: “Cheshire’s excellent science facilities at Jodrell Bank and Daresbury are critical, both for the north west economy and for the example to our children of world-class scientific research being done here in our area.”

In July, the council released a statement about its plans, which earmarked £1.9billion for funding UK science.

However, the council would not say how much it could provide for the e-Merlin.

This year, the e-Merlin is also set to be given an upgrade, which could make it the world’s most powerful radio telescope.