Liverpool Council has explained why dead birds were left in the water at a popular park.
Concerns have been raised by an animal support group as to why the body of deceased swans have been left in the lake at Walton Hall Park for more than two weeks.
Members of Liverpool, Merseyside Bird Rescue & Advice Group criticised the response from the local authority and called on it to do more to clean up the water at the 130-acre park.
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Bailey Higham, 20, a group member, said members had been made aware of the stricken birds almost three weeks ago.
She said: “I’ve always loved birds and wildlife as well as helping them.
“On 7th January, we heard of birds being trapped in the Walton Hall Park lake which is full of litter and plastic waste, as well as a build up of algae which can really impact wildlife.
“We contacted the RSPCA who advised us that the case would be passed on to the council.
“Later that evening, sadly the bird died - the council had hours to do something to help, it’s upsetting that they didn’t.”
Miss Higham called on Liverpool Council to do more to tackle the condition of the lake and support the efforts of volunteers at the popular location.
She added: “The lake really needs clearing out, volunteers and people locally do try to do as much as they can but we don’t have the funds to do what is needed.
“The sight of dead wildlife left in the lake is upsetting, particularly to children visiting the park, they shouldn’t have to see that.”
Group members took to social media to express their concern at the sight of the bird being left in the water, describing it as “heartbreaking” and “depressing.”
A Liverpool City Council spokesperson said: “It has taken longer than we would like to arrange removal of two birds because of difficulty reaching them. We hope to have this resolved soon and in the meantime members of the public should not try to reach them.”
RSPCA was approached for comment.
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