Patrick Hurley MP has urged Southport residents to continue making their views heard over proposals to close the Botanic Gardens Aviary, while warning that online abuse directed at councillors and council staff risks undermining efforts to find a constructive solution.
Sefton Council’s decision to propose closing the aviary has generated significant concern across Southport, with more than 15,000 residents signing a petition and strong opposition expressed at public meetings and online.
Hurley, the MP for Southport and the Northern Parishes, has spoken at two public meetings to give residents the opportunity to express their concerns and has continued to engage with Sefton Council and local stakeholders to explore what options may be available for the aviary’s future.
Speaking on BBC North West Tonight, Hurley acknowledged the strength of feeling surrounding the issue but urged residents not to cross the line into personal abuse.
“It’s really unacceptable in this day and age to be having councillors and politicians and people who are just doing their best for the borough to be subject to that abuse online,” he said.
Hurley said the vast majority of campaigners had been “completely civil and reasonable” and had every right to challenge the council’s decision.
“The vast majority of people who want to see the aviary remain open have been completely civil and reasonable. They care deeply about its future and have every right to challenge the Council’s decision.
“But there is a clear line between robust criticism and personal abuse. Online abuse is unacceptable, and it risks making it harder for residents, councillors and the Council to work together constructively to find a way forward.
“I will continue to work with residents, councillors and the Council to explore every possible option for the aviary. I would encourage everyone who cares about its future to continue making their voices heard.”
The intervention comes amid continuing local debate over the future of one of Southport’s best-known attractions, with Hurley stressing that strong campaigning and respectful debate should go hand in hand.
