LIVERPOOL’S FESTIVAL GARDENS SITE MOVES A STEP CLOSER TO OPENING AS 18 METRE BRIDGE IS INSTALLED

AN 18 metre bridge, which took five months to build at a structural engineering firm, was Wednesday, 2 February 2011, installed at Liverpool’s Festival Gardens site. The bridge, which provides pedestrian, disabled and cycle access to the promenade via a shared surface pathway and links the bio-diversity zone to the oriental gardens, was installed using a combination of machinery (an 80 tonne crane) and man power. It was built in-part using eco-friendly materials such as recycled plastic GRP decking. Liverpool’s former International Garden Festival site is set to re-open in spring this year after work to restore the site began in February 2010, almost 26 years after the event first opened to the public. The project, which includes restoring the ornamental Japanese Gardens, saw landscape designer Professor Masao Fukuhara travel to Liverpool to assist the restoration process. Mr Fukuhara, who is the world’s leading academic on the design of ornamental Japanese Gardens, originally worked on the site when the garden was created back in 1984. The restoration of the Chinese gardens including its two pagodas, the lakes and associated watercourses and the woodland sculpture trails are also well underway.

John Downes, managing director of landowner Langtree, said:- “The site has undergone a remarkable transformation since the restoration began last year. With the help of Liverpool City Council, the Northwest Regional Development Agency, The Land Trust and the local community, we are creating a park and new residential community that will deliver long term sustainability and provide a major gateway to the city.”

Alan Carter, head of portfolio at The Land Trust, said:- “The bridge represents a key piece of the jigsaw for this site. Access around the site has been extremely well thought out to ensure maximum visitor pleasure and the bridge is an iconic part of that. The site is really coming together now and we look forward to the completion of works so that the community can see the dramatic transformation.”

Richard Tracey, head of environmental quality at the NWDA said:- “The progress made on site today is good news for Liverpool and another step on the way to creating an important leisure resource and visitor attraction. This project could not have come to fruition without strong partnership working and a clear vision to bring the site back to life, securing its long term future.”

The Liverpool Festival Gardens project is being managed by The Land Trust on behalf of the landowner Langtree and Liverpool City Council thanks to a grant of £3.7m from the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA).  Details of the restoration can be found on the Festival Gardens website:- festivalgardens.com.

Dogs Trust Merseyside re-homing appeal

STAFF at Dogs Trust Merseyside are desperately seeking a new home for 2 8 week old blind puppies called Stevie and Wonder. The two brothers were handed into the re-homing centre when their owner struggled to care for them after their sighted siblings all found homes.  The delightful duo are in need of a loving home and staff at the re-homing centre are encouraging people not to overlook them because of their disability, as with guidance they can make wonderful family pets.  Georgina Lowery, Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre Manager says:- "Stevie and Wonder are utterly adorable – their favourite game is to play ‘chase the mop’ together. Their sense of hearing is excellent and they are picking up commands quite quickly. While they need extra care and attention to ensure that they don't get into any mischief, they are incredibly adaptable and we are training them as we would sighted puppies. They are very inquisitive so we are looking for a dedicated owner for them who can keep a watch on them and steer them clear of hazards. That means a home without stairs and ideally a secure garden where they can explore their senses. They may also benefit from living with another gentle dog who can show them the 'doggy ropes' and act as a guide dog to teach them where things are."  If you think you could offer these two pups a guiding hand, please call Dogs Trust Merseyside on:- 0151 480 0660.

Poor conditions in zoos highlighted by North West Euro-MP

A major study of zoos in 20 European countries has revealed that the conditions in which animals are being kept too often ranges from inadequate to very bad. The Born Free Foundation launched the first of its national 'EU Zoo Inquiry Reports' at a meeting in the European Parliament organised by Euro-MP Chris Davies. Although conditions in some European zoos are exemplary, the reports reveal that poor staff training combined with inadequate investment in animal enclosures too often contributes to unacceptably low standards of animal welfare. The EU introduced legislation on zoos in 1999 intended to set minimum standards, but the study reveals that in many countries it is not being properly applied or enforced. The Born Free Foundation wants national governments, the European Commission, and the zoo owners to work together to promote best practice for animal welfare and improve the living standards of animals across Europe. Chris Davies said that zoos at their best were contributing to the preservation of endangered species through successful breeding programmes, but some served no purpose other than to make money for their owners. He commented:- "Conditions in some zoos in Europe are miserable both for the animals and for visitors who have no wish to see suffering. Places like this harm the reputation of the countries concerned and do nothing to preserve endangered species. Governments need to promote best practice and ensure good standards of animal welfare and zoos that fail to meet minimum requirements should be closed down by law.”