Make A Change For Botanic founder David Rawsthorne is urging councillors to save the Botanic Gardens Aviary when they meet to discuss the issue this evening.
David and his supporters have raised over £40,000 to carry out improvements to the Botanic Gardens, following a tragic accident which saw his best friend lose his life after falling into the lake at the park.
Since then David has been determined to improve the park for all to enjoy, which has seen water aeration fountains installed.
He is now calling on Sefton Council to reverse their decision to close the 87-year-old aviary when the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Regeneration and Skills) meets at Bootle Town Hall.
The decision to close the attraction has been ‘called in’ for discussion by Southport councillor Mike Sammon.
David Rawsthorne said: “Most of North West green Sefton I’m sure will know just how hard all the volunteers work within the Botanic Gardens Community Association registered charity and have for 15 years.
“They will also know I started a campaign in 2021 to get the lake and bridges sorted out which Dave Cobham and Ann from the Botanic Gardens Community Association thoroughly supported me and the great Jess Rickers with.
“We had supper summer fun days and a sportsman’s dinner at the start of our MACFB campaign with the huge help and grief of Lucy Smith-Crallan , all to raise monies to raise funds after I lost my best friend through a tragic accident in 2018.
“We raised £40,000, had two fountains installed within the lake, and litter bins installed to encourage folk to not throw litter into or around the lake. £30,000 remains towards a Heritage Lottery match funding bid for £5 million which has been ongoing for years with consultations haven taken place and the bid is on.
“It’s understandable that different departments of the council don’t always know what’s going on with each other. I hope given the huge hysteria surrounding the announcement of the aviaries closure has made all departments work together.
“Mistakes can be made , and I as an apolitical person can accept if a u-turn is made, public opinion wasn’t known then, it is now.
“Please support the aviary rescue centre and keep it open, to support the mental health of not only the birds but also children, adults and many folks of all ages with mental health issues.
“This aviary is an essential part of the Botanic Gardens, many would say the heartbeat of the park.
“Please pursue the only sensible actions, save the aviary, pursue at speed the match funding lottery monies and overhaul all of our beautiful Botanic Gardens, the jewel of Southport.”
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