A further public meeting will be held to discuss the controversial closure of the aviary at Churchtown Botanic Gardens, following talks between the local MP, volunteers, experts, and Sefton Council.
The decision to close the attraction, described as “crazy” by community volunteers, sparked fury at a packed meeting in July, attended by around 200 people. The meeting was so crowded that dozens had to stand outside and could not hear the proceedings.
New meeting details
MP Patrick Hurley has now set a date for Wednesday, August 12 at 5pm. The meeting will take place at St Cuthbert’s Church in Churchtown village, where members of the public can hear the latest updates and share their views on the aviary's future.
Hundreds of people have already responded to a survey about what the aviary means to them, with a letter sent to Sefton Council’s chief executive. Thousands have also signed online and paper petitions against the closure.
Council's reasons
Sefton Council said the aviary does not meet modern animal welfare standards and the costs of maintaining its infrastructure are too high. Day-to-day running costs are £60,000 a year, and further capital funding is needed to modernise the attraction. The council plans to close it in March 2027.
At a council meeting in July, leader Marion Atkinson said: “This closure is not about money. […] This is all about the welfare of the birds,” to shouts of “load of rubbish” from the public gallery.
She added: “The animals are currently held in captivity in cages that are far too small. On average, each bird has the equivalent space to fly of four washing machines stacked two by two. The aviary is an unnatural habitat. Aviaries are a legacy of an era that did not care about birds.”
“None of these animals were put on earth for the pleasure of human beings to look at them,” she said, to a shout of “it’s a sanctuary” from the public gallery. “We should not encourage future generations of birds to be confined to those kinds of facilities. It’s simply inhumane.”
Volunteers' response
David Cobham, who runs the Botanic Gardens Community Association of volunteers with his wife Ann, previously told the ECHO: “It’s a lie to say it’s not good for the welfare of the birds. What’s not good for their welfare is getting rid of the 180 birds. What’s cruel? Keeping it or getting rid of all of the birds? Where are they going?”
“The birds have all got their friendships. They sit with one another, they talk to one another, it’s magic. For Sefton to say that there are not many of these left as if it’s fine to get rid of ours as well, that’s a load of rubbish.”
Mr Hurley said: “The aviary is one of Southport’s most cherished local treasures, and the support to keep it open has been overwhelming.” He added: “I’ve been working to ensure that we took on board your ideas, feedback and offers for support to develop a clear plan alongside our excellent volunteers, and we now feel in a position to ask for your support to help make the Botanic Gardens the best it can be, and work to keep the aviary open.”
“If you can’t attend Wednesday’s meeting, we’ll be sharing details soon about how you can get involved with supporting the park, as well as showing your support for our aviary.”
