PETS’ Corner in John Leigh Park, Altrincham, is set to close.


Trafford Council is currently responsible for the pets’ corners in John Leigh Park and Longford Park, in Stretford, but will cease to be from April, following executive members’ approval for a package of budget cuts on February 19.


A spokesman for the council said the move is necessary to meet the projected £17m budget deficit facing the council this year, and while it is in talks with the Friends of Longford Park group to establish an alternative model, it does ‘not currently have similar opportunities at John Leigh Park’.


Leader of the Council, Sean Anstee, has called for users of the popular attraction to volunteer to keep it running.


Cllr Anstee said: “We are actively engaged in seeking to secure an alternative partner to run the pet’s corner at John Leigh Park without ongoing financial support from the council.


“I would encourage anybody or group that has an interest to come forward.
“Closure is not the default option for the council and we hope to secure the facility for the community to continue to enjoy.”


Unlike Longford Park, John Leigh does not have a Friends group – something former Friends member, Judie Collins, believe would be of benefit.


Judie said: “It is up to the park users to decide what happens next – John Leigh is a very popular park with many regular visitors and deserves to have an active Friends group once again – the main concern has to be the welfare of the birds.”