The announcement that the aviary at Churchtown Botanic Gardens will close has provoked strong backlash from the local community and councillors. Sefton Council stated on Wednesday that the facility no longer meets modern animal welfare standards and that maintaining its infrastructure has become too costly. Planning for closure will begin over the next year, with efforts to rehome the birds with suitable organisations; euthanasia has been ruled out. If rehoming proves challenging, the council will collaborate with volunteers to care for the animals temporarily.
Political Opposition and Public Petition
Southport’s Liberal Democrats have called on the council to reconsider, urging residents to sign a petition against the closure. They claimed they were informed of the decision only the day before, with “no consultation with staff, residents or councillors.” Meols ward councillor Lauren Keith expressed dismay, stating: “I live round the corner and take my daughter to the aviary frequently. It’s such an important place for families and for children to learn about animals and a real draw to the park and Churchtown Village. It is a short-sighted decision and I am hoping the strength of local opinion will mean that the council will back down on this.”
Financial Arguments and Historical Context
Liberal Democrat leader John Pugh argued that the public outcry could prompt a rethink, noting that the cabinet member for parks, Labour’s Cllr Joanne Williams, is new to the role and should not feel bound by her predecessor’s decision. He described the closure as “a budgetary cut too far” with minimal impact on council finances, contrasting it with the recent allocation of £34 million for a new Conference Centre. “The council claims it can save £60,000 mostly on wage costs by sacrificing the birds, but the damage to the council’s image will be far more costly. More residents will bring their children and grandchildren to see the exotic birds than book a conference place,” Pugh added. The aviary opened in 1939, and Sefton Council has managed it alongside the Botanic Gardens Community Association since 1974, making it one of the last council-run animal facilities in the country.
Council's Justification and Social Media Reaction
Cllr Williams defended the decision, saying: “It is no longer possible for it to operate to the high welfare standards that are rightly expected of a modern site. For that reason, the decision has been taken to oversee the aviary’s closure. I’d like to personally thank everyone who has supported the aviary over the years, including the wonderful staff and volunteers who have cared for the animals on a daily basis.” Social media erupted with anger, with one woman describing the aviary as “a lifeline for many lonely people” and crucial for mental health. Another Facebook user suggested introducing a small entry fee, while others offered to volunteer time and donate money. One resident recalled: “Botanic Gardens was my childhood, I cannot stress enough how important it was and still is to me. I couldn’t afford much, so the park and all its many attractions were a godsend.” Several locals called for a fight to keep the attraction open, and one person questioned spending on cycle lanes instead of upgrading the aviary. A council spokesperson clarified that highways infrastructure projects are funded by ring-fenced money, which cannot be redirected.
