A woman has issued an urgent plea for anyone who uses Walton Hall Park.
Lorraine Tully is encouraging visitors of the park to respect their green space after rubbish was left and fishing wire was left discarded, endangering wildlife. With concerns over aviation flu, Lorraine said people should be vigilant and "protect" wildlife where they can.
She told the ECHO: "There's fishing line constantly there, the RSPCA came out recently and had to remove the fishing line from the side because birds were getting stuck. People shouldn't be fishing while there's bird flu anyway.
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"I'm also constantly picking up little, not everyone makes a mess but some do and it's disgusting. Soon, there will be nothing for the kids to see. People are putting dog muck in bags and throwing the bags on the floor, what's the point?
"Just pick your stuff up, it's not hard. The park is meant t be for everyone so it should be respected. And if you are fishing, why leave the line where it can harm the birds?"
Lorraine, who lives in Stockbridge Village, visits the park when she visits her partner. She added: "The RSPCA know me by name I call them up that much. If people are seeing dead birds, it's not nice and the litter in the lake is just disgusting."
RSPCA Inspector Anthony Jones recently posted on social media about removing fishing line from the lake while called out to the area. Lorraine said seeing the amount of fishing line was "shocking".
Inspector Jones wrote: "Called out to Walton Hall Park today. Unfortunately avian flu is still with us and causing great suffering. A number of dead and sick birds removed. Whilst there, managed to remove enough fishing line to get to the (moon) and back."
The RSPCA confirmed officers are "regularly called to this area" to help birds that have become "tangled up in carelessly discarded fishing litter". A spokesperson added: "Lines, weights, hooks and plastic netting can inflict terrible injuries on wildlife, and for every animal we’re able to help there are many that go unseen, unreported and may even lose their lives.
"The majority of anglers do dispose of their litter properly, and it’s frustrating that those who don’t, may not realise the dangers it poses. We’d strongly urge those who enjoy fishing in this area to be extra cautious to make sure nothing is left behind, to follow the Angling Trust Take 5 campaign and to make use of recycling schemes to dispose of their waste tackle."
Nearly 40 per cent (2,882) of all litter-related calls to the RSPCA in 2021 were about animals that had become caught in angling litter, the charity confirmed. When asked about avian flu, the charity said: "We are aware of the situation regarding avian flu at the park. Sadly high numbers of sick and dying birds are being reported across the UK due to the ongoing and severe UK-wide avian flu outbreak, which is continuing to spread through bird populations.
"It's been devastating for the RSPCA - and wildlife lovers across the country - to see birds perish from this awful disease. Avian flu can be carried by all bird species, but seabirds, waterfowl and birds of prey are the most common species reported. This is a highly contagious disease within birds and it’s important to take all precautions to stop its spread.
"The UK Government continues to advise not to touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds that you find. If you have already touched the bird, please wash your hands immediately, along with any surfaces you may have made contact with.
"Please do not bring seabirds into RSPCA centres or branches as our staff will not be able to admit them due to the potential risk they could pose to the animals already in the charity’s care. If you do call us for help, please bear with us, as our rescue teams are under a lot of pressure. Similarly, we advise not to take seabirds into independent rehabilitators or vets as they may not be able to admit them due to the potential risk they could pose to the animals already in care."
Urging people to dispose of their waste responsibly, Liverpool Council added: "We can confirm that any cases of dead birds raised with us directly are reported to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Residents can also report any cases of dead birds they see via the DEFRA helpline on 03459 335 577 or online."
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