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NIRAH
- Begging bowl in hand
Archive August 2006
In a further display of the desperation at NIRAH, the controversial aquarium and animal laboratory, bosses of the company have now resorted to 'begging bowl' tactics of asking the public to fund its commercial business.
NIRAH has already received £3 million of public money and not even reached planning application stage. It recently turned down an offer of £300,000 from Bedfordshire County Council because of conditions attached to the offer which would have limited the wasting of more public money on what is, according to local MP Nadine Dorris "a commercial, profit-making project" that includes three large hotels, a water park, a cinema and a bowling alley in addition to the aquarium and laboratory.
Mrs Dorris has asked the police and District Auditor to investigate the legality of NIRAH seeking personal donations.
In addition to press comments that NIRAH may collapse as a company, its project director Ronnie Murning revealed he may quit, commenting he had "had enough" after "we have despairingly plummeted to the depths we have on the project".
NIRAH is now attempting to raise £600,000 directly from the public.
Giving money to NIRAH hardly seems a worthwhile investment. Not only would contributions go towards promoting a captive animal entertainment centre and animal research laboratory, but if the planning application fails, contributions will not be returned.
Even if the project did go ahead, those people giving £1,000 to NIRAH would only get discounted entry to the aquarium in return for their 'donation'.
Statements on NIRAH's website make it clear that they are in financial difficulties: "Should a creditor pursue a claim against Nirah, it is likely that the Company would be forced into some form of insolvency procedure." Hardly a comment to inspire financial involvement.
Potential investors should also keep in mind that the estimated cost of building has already spiralled from £125 million to £375 million.
CAPS and Bedford Animal Action have criticised the NIRAH Project for its planned captivity of wild-caught animals (one-third of all the animals on display would be taken from the wild) and its proposed laboratory where drug companies would experiment on animals.
How you can help
For more information on our opposition to the NIRAH Project see our Questions and Answers page.
Ask the local councils to withdraw support for this captive animal facility - click here for more details.
Other articles about NIRAH: