A SUSSEX zoo has been forced to remain closed as it continues to suffer from a power failure after adverse weather caused damage to electricity lines.

Drusillas Park near Alfriston lost power yesterday as Storm Franklin hit the south coast of England.

However, despite hopes that power would be restored yesterday, the zoo announced this morning that the park must remain closed while it waits for the outage to end.

In a post on Facebook, the park said: “We ask that you cross all fingers, toes, paws, and claws that we get some good news from UK Power Networks later today.”

The park also said they remain “optimistic” that they may be able to reopen at some point today and that engineers are working hard to get power restored.

A park spokesman said: "All the animals are safe and well and are really looking forward to seeing you all again."

Some 1,700 properties still remain without power across Sussex in the aftermath of Storm Eunice last week, with UK Power Networks saying that teams are working tirelessly to get power restored to those affected.

The company estimates that many homes that lost power on Friday will see electricity restored later today.

Those who were due to visit Drusillas Park today are advised to contact them by email to arrange an alternative date for their visit.

Storm Franklin was the third named storm to hit the UK in the space of just a week, following only days in the wake of Storm Eunice which caused extreme damage across Sussex.

While weather warnings have been lifted across the county, windy weather is still expected today, with gusts of around 45mph in Brighton and Hove anticipated later today.

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