Bristol taxpayers will fund a shortfall of more than £200,000 in the Downs committee’s budget due to legal costs of the Zoo parking row.
The Downs, one of the largest green spaces in Bristol, are run by a committee made up of Bristol councillors and the Society of Merchant Venturers. Clifton Down is owned by the Merchant Venturers and Durdham Down is owned by the council, who both run them jointly.
Events held on the Downs are meant to generate enough income to pay the maintenance and upkeep of the area. But last year huge legal costs meant the Downs committee’s budget was deep in the red, having overspent by £207,295.
