Artists, writers and scientists urge UK government to save Jodrell Bank Observatory

New Order and Simon Armitage among more than 100 signatories to criticise foolish and shortsighted' cuts

More than 100 artists, writers and scientists have called for the UK government to save the world's clearest eyes on the sky", after funding for thenetwork of radio telescopes at Jodrell Bank Observatory was slashed.

New Order, the Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield and the poet laureate, Simon Armitage, are among those calling on the new prime minister, Andy Burnham, to save the deep space observatory which includes the Grade I-listed Lovell telescope, prized by astronomers who study galaxies, star formation and planets beyond the solar system.