A legal challenge has been made over Sefton Council’s proposals to close the Botanic Gardens Aviary in Churchtown in Southport.
The Botanic Gardens Community Association, alongside the Save Our Aviary campaign, say they have “reluctantly taken the decision to issue a claim in relation to Sefton Council’s decision concerning the aviary”.
In a statement, they said: “We became aware of the decision on 30 June and throughout July and August sought to engage constructively with Sefton Council in the hope that a way forward could be found without the need for legal proceedings.
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“Taking legal action was not a step we wanted to take, and it has not been taken lightly. However, after our efforts to engage with the Council, we ultimately felt that we had been left with no other option but to issue a claim.
“Both the BGCA and Save Our Aviary campaign remain committed to finding a constructive resolution.
“We sincerely hope that mediation will provide an opportunity for the parties to come together, discuss the issues and resolve matters without the need for the proceedings to go any further than necessary.
“For now, given that legal proceedings have commenced, we will not be commenting on the detailed grounds of the claim.”
When contacted by Stand Up For Southport, Sefton Council said they are currently unable to comment due to the legal proceedings.
Over 15,000 people have signed petitions calling for the Aviary to be saved.
In July, Sefton Council cited animal welfare, ageing infrastructure, financial sustainability and the suitability of the existing facility as reasons for closure of the Aviary.
They said: “Nobody is calling into question the care and kindness shown by staff and volunteers to these birds over the decades but the fact remains this facility is simply no longer in the best interests of the animals who are kept there.
“I have seen numerous comments from people telling us that this decision has nothing to do with animal welfare. Experts do not share that same view.”
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