DISGRUNTLED employees at West Midland Safari Park have spoken out after bosses denied jobs had been cut at the park.

New owners The Looping Group said this week that 'no decision had been made' over job losses at the Bewdley park, prompting more staff members to come forward claiming 'the park is in disarray'.

One staff member, who asked to remain anonymous, said: "Since The Looping Group have taken over our seasonal staff have been seriously slashed. The park is in disarray."

Another reported reductions in the number of temporary staff taken on in the facilities, food and beverage, retail, and games and wristbands departments, adding: "The park hides behind the zero-hour contracts so they have no obligation to the staff, but this is offensive.

"It's going to affect so many local families who rely on the park. It's a disgrace."

They also claimed rides would be opened later to cut down on staff hours.

The park, which is home to around 140 species including elephants, rhino, and lions, was taken over by the French leisure provider in December.

It attracted around 700,000 visitors to Wyre Forest last year.

A spokesman for the safari park previously admitted a 'full scale review' was underway and said any potential redundancies would be discussed with staff.

They said: "The senior management team of the West Midland Safari Park, along with the new owners Looping Group, are currently undertaking a full scale review of the park, its operations and the investment plans for next year’s development.

"However, we must be clear that no decision has been made regarding any job losses at the park.

"Once the business review has been completed, we would, if necessary, discuss any potential redundancy situation directly with our employees."

They said the number of seasonal staff varied depending on the time of year and attractions on offer, and said more people would be recruited closer to Easter.

The spokesman added: "This year we plan to open the rides just 30 mins later than we did last year.

"We took this decision because customers are spending more time in the popular Discovery Trail area - enjoying exhibits like Ice Age and Land of the Living Dinosaur - before they venture into the theme park where the rides are situated."

West Midland Safari Park is the 15th amusement park to be operated by The Looping Group, which already runs parks in France, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Germany.

The company, launched in 2011, is expected to count around 4.3million visitors this year for a turnover exceeding €100m.