AN APPEAL has been launched to raise money to help Dawlish recover from the culling of its beloved waterfowl.

The Go Fund Me was launched today with the aim of raising a target of £2,000 towards helping restore the town’s popular aviary birds.

Between 40 and 50 birds, including ducks and geese, have been culled following an outbreak of highly contagious Avian Flu.

Residents have been heartbroken at the loss of the birdlife which is also a popular attraction for visitors.

Alfie Binyon, who set up the fund, said: ‘I know money is tight at the moment, especially with Christmas upon us, but anything will help towards tallish water recovering from this tragic news of Avian bird flu (H5N1).

‘We always have the waterfowl in our hearts and are devastated to hear of the latest news that some of our most beloved ducks and swans will have to be culled to stop the spread of Avian Bird flu.

'We are hoping to raise money for the Dawlish waterfowl deep clean and possibly some new birds once this awful outbreak has been tackled.

‘Anything we can raise as a community would help.’

The birds had to be humanely culled after Dawlish Town Council was notified by the Animal and Plant Agency that several birds in the aviary had tested positive for the highly pathogenic disease.

The outbreak was confirmed yesterday by the town council.

A spokesman said: ‘This difficult but necessary decision is taken to protect both animal and public health and welfare, and to reduce the risk of further transmission of the disease within the community.

‘We fully appreciate that this news will be distressing for residents and visitors alike.

‘The town council is heartbroken by this outcome, but our primary duty must be to protect the welfare of all animals and the wider community.’

At least five birds in the aviary had already died as had several of the famous black swans before the tests confirmed it was Avian Flu.