Campaigners determined to make urgent safety improvements at Botanic Gardens in Churchtown in Southport have now raised over £25,000 towards the work needed.
Make A Change For Ben was set up by David Rawsthorne after the tragic death of his best friend, Ben Smith-Crallan. Ben, 37, died after falling into the lake at the park.
David, members of Ben’s family, and a small army of supporters raised over £12,000 through a successful Sportsman’s Dinner which was held at Bliss Hotel in Southport last week, with special guest John Barnes.
More funding has been raised through appeals and a fundraising page.
Campaigners want to use the funding to install two new water aeration fountains, in the lake, as well as railings around the water’s edge and other work.
David Rawsthorne said: “After a very active few months campaigning and organising the sportsman’s dinner I can now announce we have raised in excess of £25,000 through all our different efforts at fundraising.
“We are currently waiting for the electric point to be fitted behind the aviary in the Botanic Gardens to facilitate the aeration fountain at that end of the lake.
“I have been in discussion with Paul Sherman of PHL Services LTD who is carrying out the works. We think we should install stronger fountains for a more realistic chance of them succeeding.
“I will keep everyone updated at every stage of progress.
“Before Spring 2022 we should have new fountains in place and a new mural.
“Other works will be up for discussion over the next few weeks between myself, the Botanic Gardens Community Association committee and Sefton Council.
“For now I’m going to take a few days to regroup after a busy seven months.
“We’re making a change for Ben.”
The installation of the new water aeration systems will cost £8,500. These costs will be covered by recent fundraising efforts from the Make a Change for Ben campaign group which has donated its funds raised to date to the Botanic Gardens Community Association, a long-standing voluntary group overseeing maintenance and activities at the attraction.
At the end of August, Sefton Council met with members of the two groups and outlined ideas for up to £30,000 in improvements for the lake and lakeside area.
At the meeting, the groups agreed to prioritise the aerating fountains as the first phase, with the equipment now on order and works expected to be completed this autumn.
David Rawsthorne said: “Our community efforts over the last few months has got us to this point and I thank each and every person and business that have got involved.
“I am absolutely delighted that our campaign and Sefton Council have worked hand-in-hand over the last three months to secure local contractors to carry out works on the aeration fountains. Huge thanks to all the people who have got involved and helped to get us where we are now.”
Cllr Ian Moncur, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “I’m really pleased to be able to say that we are moving forward with the initial improvements to the lake area at the Botanic Gardens and I do want to pass on a huge thank you to everyone in the community who has contributed to the local fundraising efforts to date.”
Sandgrounder Radio’s Claire Simmo said: “I’ve grown up in Southport and have been many times to the Botanic Gardens.
“I’ve always regularly taken my kids and nephews there and it’s frightening to think that it could have been any of us in that position. We really need to stop anything like this happening again.”
Earlier this year, Sefton Council’s Green Sefton Service confirmed it was looking at ways to develop and improve the Botanic Gardens to offer better facilities for its communities as well as providing a positive boost to the local visitor economy.
In time, it is expected funding will be sought from streams through organisations that support the heritage sector. Around £5 million is likely to be required to deliver the Council’s ambitious plans to transform the park.
The major proposals are at the very early stages of development and next steps will include launching a public consultation in 2022. This will bring together the views of residents, regular park users, visitors and the dedicated volunteer groups who support many projects at the park to keep the space clean, green and beautiful for all.
You can support the campaign by joining the Make A Change For Ben Campaign Facebook group here.
Anyone interested in helping to shape the developing project, or would like to volunteer in the Botanic Gardens, can contact the Botanic Gardens Community Association at https://botanicgardensca.org.uk/
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