WEST Midland Safari Park has cut 25 staff from its workforce following a "full scale review" of the park's operations.

Bosses announced last month that 72 staff in management, administration, commercial and service support roles would go through a consultation process, with 35 roles expected to be lost.

The park has since confirmed that 25 roles have been made redundant, which includes seven employees opting to take voluntary redundancy.

Darren Chorley, managing director of West Midland Safari Park, said: “We said in March how our recent review of the park’s operations meant that over 70 of our staff would be taken through a redundancy consultation.

“The consultation is now over and it has been a hugely difficult and unsettling time for everyone.

"Through the process 20 permanent jobs and five seasonal roles are to be made redundant, however we have been able to limit the original number proposed through offering a number staff alternative roles across the park.

“We continue to be one of the region’s most popular attractions and these cuts have been necessary to ensure the park is here to enjoy for many years to come.

"The experience visitors get when they come to the park will not be compromised.”