A CONTROVERSIAL Ryedale zoo has been given a clean bill of health by a team of Government inspectors.

Flamingo Land Zoo, at Kirby Misperton, near Pickering, is set to receive a new six-year licence after experts said the zoo "had the potential to be among the leading collections in the UK".

The inspectors also threw out a series of complaints submitted in the wake of the fatal shooting of an escaped chimpanzee at the theme park last year.

In a statement, the inspectors said: "We were sent a list of complaints on July 7 made by a member of the public and these were considered alongside all other relevant matters before and during the inspection.

"While accepting that input from the public can be useful in the zoo licensing process, the inspectors found nothing in these particular complaints to substantially add to or assist the Flamingo Land inspection."

A female ape was shot dead by a Flamingo Land marksman after she escaped from her enclosure in December. A separate independent inquiry has already concluded that the decision to open fire was the correct one.

The latest inspection is part of the regular six- yearly zoo licensing process.

Flamingo Land's existing licence will expire on June 4, 2007. The inspectors recommended that the licence be renewed.

In a report to councillors, Paul Crossley, principal environmental health officer at Ryedale District Council, said: "As well as making recommendations to encourage further physical improvements at the zoo, the inspectors commended the positive attitude of the management and the willingness of the operators to invest in upgraded animal facilities.

"In addition, they noted that staff appear committed and enthusiastic and, with continued development of the educational programmes and greater conservation and research participation, the zoo has the potential to be among the leading collections in the UK."

Councillors on Ryedale's community services and licensing committee will make the final decision whether or not to renew Flamingo Land's licence, based on the inspectors' findings, on Thursday.