Tributes have been paid to a tireless campaigner who was described as the "heart and soul of Walton Hall Park."
Chrissie Byrne, the chair and organiser of the Friends of Walton Hall Park was well known around the city for her passionate defence of Liverpool's parks and green spaces. She has died at the age of 51.
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.
Paying tribute to Chrissie, her friend and Liverpool West Derby MP Ian Byrne said: "Absolutely gutted to hear of the passing of my great mate Chrissie Byrne. A wonderful fighter for the parks community and her beloved Walton Hall Park. An absolute honour to work with her on protecting our cities parks with Fields in Trust. Rest in Power my dear friend."
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Another friend, Warbreck councillor Alan Gibbons said: "So sad to hear of the passing of Chrissie Byrne at the desperately young age of 51. Chrissie was the heart and soul of Walton Hall Park. We will miss her desperately."
Mayor Joanne Anderson said Chrissie had provided her with support after her recent health issues. She said: "My heart goes out to Chrissie's family and friends. Her passing is a loss to us all. Chrissie provided me with a lot of support and advice during a recent health scare. Doubt she knew the positive impact she had on those around here. RIP Chrissie."
Liverpool's opposition leader Cllr Richard Kemp paid an extensive tribute. He said: "All those of us who are concerned about our parks and other green spaces will have been deeply saddened to hear of the death of Chrissie Byrne. She led a spirited campaign in the last decade to fight off council proposals to build a new EFC stadium and industrial estate on the park.
"She then devoted her life to making the park work for the local community. She not only campaigned but did very practical things as well. The park was kept immaculate by the Friends of Walton Hall Park who became an exemplar to all the Parks Groups in the City."
He added: "I will miss her regular emails and phone calls asking about Walton and council-wide issues. Meetings of the Neighbourhood Services Select Committee will not be the same without her presence and questions. The last time I saw she was 'inspecting' the new nature reserve in Calderstones Park where she had given much advice and support."
Liverpool Council's Liverpool Parks group said: "We were saddened to hear about the passing of Chrissie Byrne, who devoted so much of her time and energy to making our parks and green spaces the best they can be. Not only did she contribute greatly to Walton Hall Park but she also supported Friends Groups across."
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