DAWLISH aviary will not reopen until at least November, it has been confirmed.

But the town council has plans to enhance the popular waterside compound and reintroduce ornamental birds once it is safe.

The aviary, which was home to dozens of ornamental birds, was hit by an outbreak of highly pathogenic Avian flu in October last year.

It was a popular visitor attraction and loved by locals and home to a variety of ornamental birds such as tufted duck, mandarin duck and shelduck.

Following the outbreak, which had already killed a number of the birds and several wild Black swans, up to 50 of the birds had to be humanely culled, in accordance with animal health guidance.

Since the outbreak, the town council has been working closely with senior veterinary officers from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) to consider the steps required to bring the site back into safe use.

To reopen within 12 months, stringent cleansing and disinfection measures are needed.

A town council spokesman explained: ‘These measures would need to be carried out by competent specialists and would include the safe disposal of contaminated waste materials, with the nearest approved disposal facility located in Bristol.

‘In addition, strict cleansing and disinfection procedures would be required for couriers and equipment entering or leaving the site.

‘After carefully considering the available options and associated costs and practicalities, the council agreed to keep the site closed for a period of 12 months following the outbreak.’

At the end of 12 months, compound can be re-entered and restocked without extensive cleansing and disinfection.

This means the aviary is due to be eligible for restocking from November 21.

The spokesman continued: ‘The council would like to thank colleagues at the Animal and Plant Health Agency for their continued guidance and assistance throughout this process.

‘The council is also grateful to members of the public for their patience and for the many messages of support received while careful consideration is given to the future of the compound.

‘Looking to the future, the Civic Amenities Committee has agreed that the compound should be enhanced.

‘Plans will be developed over the coming months to improve the facility before proposals are brought forward to the town council for consideration and approval.’