A campaign to improve Botanic Gardens in Churchtown in Southport and make the facilities safe and enjoyable for all look set to become a reality.
Local resident David Rawsthorne has enlisted the support of thousands of local people and celebrities including Tommy Fleetwood, David Lonsdale and Andrew Lancel with his appeal ‘Make A Change For Ben’ after his friend Ben Smith-Crallan died after falling in the lake.
David Cobham and the volunteers in the Botanic Gardens Community Association have also been calling for essential work to be carried out, including lake cleansing, the restoration of bridges and aerating water features.
Sefton Council has now given its backing to developing a new major development scheme for Botanic Gardens in Churchtown and to begin exploring possible funding streams.
They will now set up a project team to set out a detailed vision for the park.
Officers will be authorised to work with the Botanic Gardens Community Association and other stakeholders to ‘launch’ the concept of developing this scheme and to develop a new structure and programme to manage its development and delivery.
A further report will set out the proposed timescales, project team structure, terms of reference for a new Project Board and regular updates on progress as the scheme develops.
In his report, Sefton Council’s Head of Locality Services said: “The long-term Vision for the park is to restore Botanic Gardens into a high-quality tourist destination attraction for Southport. The park and buildings could be redeveloped for more sustainable functions that encourage users to spend more time and money in the park.
“A vibrant Botanic Gardens will be a valuable asset to the local community as well as providing a positive impact to the local economy including potential job opportunities.”
Ben Smith-Crallan
David Rawsthorne said: “We have now got 3,900 members in the Make A Change For Ben group and have gathered the support of nine local celebrities.
“We have raised over £8,500 to date via the gofundme page and direct donations to the Botanic Gardens community association registered charity.
“I would like to share a few stand out donations.
“Norman Wallis of Pleasuerland gave Southport residents an amazing offer of entry to the fair for just £10 for one day only towards our campaign which raised an amazing £1,633 on the day. “An anonymous donor gave us a cheque for £1,400 – you know who you are as do I.
“Monkey Puzzle Nursery donated an amazing £500.
“Co-Op Fylde Rd and Churchtown branch have raised over £535 to date in a direct payment of £400 and customer donations.
“Tesco Express Churchtown have raised over £250 to date in customer donations.
“Plus lots of other donations off you guys , thanks to every one of you.
“Lots of people are pushing our campaign and actively helping me keep things progressing forwards.
“I couldn’t do this without the massive support and help I’ve received and I thank you all.
“Make a change” For Ben – Campaign To Get Botanic Gardens Lake Cleaned
“Please share this post to your timelines, keep pushing our campaign forwards and get all your friends and family to join in.
“Make a change for Ben.”
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This is a local park in a small village. All it needs is the lake cleaning and the riparian running again a fountain would be lovely . it would also benifit from drainage from the the back field where it floods. An indication at the front to guide people to the car park at the back. And gereral repairs to bridges ect. The old museum was excellent it fit in well with old village. If that could be reopened it would be brilliant. All the rest is over the top and not likely to happen for years and years If ever. If the lake was clean the boats would soon be back. And the brass bands on a Sunday.
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