A call has been made for a posthumous honour for a Liverpool parks campaigner who died recently.
Earlier this month, tributes were paid to Chrissie Byrne, chair and organiser of the Friends of Walton Hall Park, after she died at the age of 51. Chrissie was well known around the city for her passionate defence of Liverpool's parks and green spaces.
Leaders from across the city paid tribute to Chrissie’s impact across Liverpool, as well as former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn. Now, the city’s Liberal Democrat group is to ask Liverpool Council’s honours committee to consider granting a posthumous award of citizen of honour to Chrissie.
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Cllr Mirna Juarez said: "Chrissie Byrne, a formidable campaigner who led successful protests against plans to build on Walton Hall Park. A passionate advocate of preserving green space in the city, she served as chair of the Friends of Walton Hall Park and the Liverpool Friends Groups.
“She set a shining example of civic pride and commitment to Walton Hall Park, where she actively led local residents to take ownership and make improvements. Her commitment to support others was a great inspiration for all those involved in campaigns to prevent the loss of our city's prized green space.
“Chrissie will be sorely missed by many of us in the council and in the community at large. In her energy, persistence and determination never to give in, she epitomised the true spirit of Liverpool. The council will recognise her achievements and her memory by posthumously conferring upon her the title of Citizen of Honour of the City of Liverpool.”
Cllr Juarez said the local authority should work with all the Friends of Parks groups, green campaigners and the wider Walton community to develop a permanent green memorial or project in Chrissie’s name to “continually recognise her indomitable spirit.” Chrissie was instrumental in the campaign to block plans by Everton and Liverpool Council to build a new stadium and houses on Walton Hall Park.
As well as her passion for that particular park, Chrissie also worked with the Fields in Trust group to legally protect all the city's green spaces. A fundraising page has been set up since Chrissie’s death on January 2.
Any monies generated from the collection will go towards “celebrating her life in a way, which befits the scope of her legacy so that people from Walton and beyond can pay their respects,” it said. Cllr Dan Barrington, cabinet member for climate change and environment, paid tribute to Ms Byrne in a written report to committee members.
He said: "It was very sad to hear of the passing of Chrissie Byrne. She was a champion for Walton Hall Park and all of our parks and green spaces across the city.
“I’m grateful for the help, support and advice she gave me in my cabinet role, one of the first people to reach out to me and offer to meet up. Chrissie leaves behind a huge legacy, all of our parks will be protected forever because of the work she did to bring Fields in Trust to our city.
“Chrissie will be sadly missed by all who knew her."
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