It’s probably not the first time a councillor has found himself at the biting end of angry residents - but for once he will be hoping it isn’t the last.

In a bid to highlight the plight of the Tropical Forest, which is facing closure, Syon ward councillor Jonathan Hardy will be donning his scuba gear to take a dip with the forest’s giant piranhas.

Coun Hardy said: “I’m doing the dive to gain attention for the serious plight the Tropical Forest is in and show the affection and support that people feel for it.

“I want to highlight the irony of the situation - the piranhas are more in danger than I will be diving in their tank. If the Tropical Forest closes it will be difficult to find them a home.

“Closure of the centre will not just be a tragedy for the Tropical Forest but for west London in that it will have lost a valuable educational resource.”

Hundreds of tropical animals, including monkeys and tarantulas, will need to find a new home if the centre at Syon Park closes down to make way for a new Hilton hotel on the site.

Hopes that the family-run attraction could be moved to Gunnersbury Park as part of its regeneration were dashed at a meeting of the park’s regeneration board last Thursday.

Councillor Adrian Lee, lead member for leisure, said: “Hounslow Council is extremely positive about finding it a place in one of our parks but I’m not convinced it’s possible in this location.”

Coun Hardy said the centre’s cafe could be a threat to business for the proposed cafe and restaurant at Gunnersbury Park.

The Tropical Forest has given thousands of visitors the chance to get up close and personal with some of the 600 exotic animals, many of which are endangered, over the past 20 years.

Unless a new location is found the animals will have to be found new homes at zoos, while those who cannot find a home will have to be put down.

Founder of the Tropical Forest, Tony Purdy, however, remains positive it could still find a home at Gunnersbury Park.

He said: “It’s not over yet, not until the fat lady sings.”

To sign a petition to save the Tropical Forest, visit ipetitions.com/petition/savethetropicalforest

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