00:00Legal action has been launched over plans to close Southport's historic aviary, which has been open for almost 90 years.
00:09Sefton Council wants to shut the attraction at Botanic Gardens in Churchtown, citing concerns about animal welfare and the cost
00:17of running it.
00:17The authority says the aviary can no longer meet the physical, behavioural and psychological needs of the animals housed there.
00:25But the Save Our Aviary and Botanic Gardens Community Association is challenging the decision.
00:31The group says taking legal action was not what it wanted, but it felt left with no alternative.
00:38Council leader Marion Atkinson has confirmed the challenge has been lodged, but declined to comment further.
