THE project manager at hugely popular Tam O'Shanter's farm has said reports that it is at risk of closure are 'simply not true'.

Josephine Wood MBE was responding to a local newspaper report, which claimed the facility was in danger of closing for good if it did not become sustainable.

Ms Wood is treasurer, trustee and project manager for Pawprints Wirral Wildlife, which took over the running of the Bidston-based farm in November and said it was entering a 'bright new era'.

She told the Globe today: "Tam O'Shanter farm has never been in such a positive situation, with new ideas, new ventures and a strong and well-supported management team behind it to develop and deliver on an ambitious business model.

"Having received grants from Tesco Bags of Hope and Cheshire Freemasons to refurbish the stable block and now to convert our dated activity room into a function room ("The Barn on The Hill") we are moving towards finally becoming sustainable and being able to continue offering free access for all for generations to come.

"With a glorious weekend of weather predicted, we are looking forward to welcoming the public to our Easter Extravaganza which will see a Viking Invasion for two days, Morris Men dancing in the courtyard, craft stalls exhibiting their goods and of course all our much-loved animals basking in the sunshine.

"Plus on Monday afternoon, the Mayor of Wirral will be coming to demand his rent - a pine cone from Bidston Hill.

"The pace of change has been swift – come and see for yourself – a whole bright new era has dawned and we are proud to be a part of it!"

Ms Wood, whose father Harold Burns, helped build Tam O'Shanter in the 1970s, said the farm had received support from a huge variety of organisations, both statutory and third sector, over the decades.

She added: "It has had ups and downs, highs and lows. It has hosted celebrations, arts classes, VIP visits, sheep, goats, donkeys, chickens, ducks and more.

"Managers and managements have come and gone. There has been varying input from the council and others.

"But times have changed. The world has changed. We live in challenging times and budgets have been squeezed to the point of non-existence in many areas – not least in leisure.

"Recent visitors cannot fail to notice the huge changes we have made since we arrived in November 2018.

"But every visitor costs us money. We still need to pay for our rubbish to be removed, for water, electricity, animal feed, vets’ bills – wages for staff, and volunteer expenses."

On its fundraising plans, she said: "We would love to have regular sponsorship from local firms – and we will certainly advertise their involvement. Help us keep Tam O'Shanter Farm free for all to enjoy.

"This is not 'our' farm – this is 'your' farm and we want to make a success of it, but we need to bring everyone with us."

To support the project, email TheFarm@pawprintswildlife.co.uk or call 0151-653-9332 and leave a message.