People are urged to respond to park plan

Mark Lewis, founder of The Arts Lodge in Victoria Park, Portsmouth, said the park needed ‘tweaks’, but he disagreed with some of the plans.

As reported, a major consultation was launched on Monday over Portsmouth City Council’s masterplan for the park.

Part of the plan includes demolishing the existing aviary and replacing it, and possibly bringing in a petting zoo.

Mr Lewis said: ‘I am personally not keen on the idea of caging birds but I do believe these are rescued ones, yet the guinea pigs and rabbits are great for kids to watch and feed.

‘A petting zoo is not a well thought-out proposal, but if they are willing to find the money we could have all sorts of exciting sculptures.’

The council intends to give another firm operation of the Arts Lodge, under separate plans.

See portsmouth.gov.uk/victoria-park