People are being urged to keep out of the aviary at the Botanic Gardens in Churchtown in Southport as building work takes place.
Some visitors have been caught climbing over fencing despite warning signs asking them to keep out.
A Botanic Gardens Aviaries spokesperson said: “Please note that the aviary is still closed to the public for a few reasons:
1: Avian Flu restrictions
2: The National Lockdown
3: Refurbishments in progress. It’s not safe to have people in there whilst the contractors are working.
“We are still having some people climbing over and when told the aviary is closed they are replying ‘oh sorry we didn’t know’.
“It’s really quite clear that we are closed with all of the gates locked with signs on.
“Please stay out of the aviary. It’s for staff safety, your safety and the safety of our birds and animals.”
Southport’s Botanic Gardens Aviaries in Churchtown – home to a range of exotic birds such as parrots and parakeets as well as rabbits and guinea pigs – is currently undergoing further repair works.
Last year, Sefton Council upgraded the parakeet aviary and the guinea pig area. Now further works are taking place to repair and improve the infrastructure that houses the animals to ensure the aviary remains fit for purpose.
The Council’s Green Sefton team works in partnership with the Botanic Gardens Community Association (BGCA) to maintain the aviary.
The BGCA has raised £8,000 to support the works, which will include new and improved flooring, roofing and drainage.
The aviary closed to the public in December, in line with national restrictions for an on-going avian flu outbreak and remains closed under national lockdown guidance. The birds and animals remain at the aviary, but for safety are being kept in their indoor accommodation during the outbreak and while the aviary undergoes repair works.
The aviary will reopen to the public after the completion of the works and dependent on the latest government advice on both the avian flu and coronavirus restrictions.
People can find out more about the aviary on its dedicated Facebook page.
To support the works of the Botanic Gardens Community Association please visit their website here: botanicgardensca.org.uk
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