Article in Thurrock Gazette

For those of you who may not have seen the article in the Thurrock Gazette. You can read the full article at http://www.thurrockgazette.co.uk/news/11793506.Ranger_threat_to_Langdon_Hills/

Ranger threat to Langdon Hills

First published Sunday 15 February 2015 in News

CONCERNS have been raised over what will become of Langdon Hills Country Park, if proposals to cut the number of park rangers are followed through by Thurrock Council.

Ranger threat to Langdon Hills

Members of Friends of Langdon Hills have contacted the Gazette to express their worries, with the cuts expected as soon as Easter.

The park is used by children, dog walkers and runners, and for popular events. The five rangers help to maintain the park and act as visitor guides. The council’s proposal is to have one ranger and an apprentice.

Tim Rodgers, 73, from the Friends group, said: “The proposal will turn the park to wrack and ruin and will be an absolute travesty to the people who use it.

“The woods get used by so many people. There’s no way in the world one person will be able to run that place on their own.”

The Gazette understands the council would save about £100,000, if the plan goes ahead.

Anthony Eakins, 77 said: “I think they’ve gone completely over the top. The park does a lot for local people.

“With no rangers, there would be a lot of upkeep that needed to be done, and if there are no rangers or just one, they would have to bring in a contractor and that could cost more than what they’re saving.

“It would be a real shame to see it go to waste like this.”

A council spokesman said: “A consultation is being carried out and no decision has yet been made, but the proposal is to reduce the number of rangers to one at Langdon Hills and Coalhouse Fort and to continue with an apprentice placement.

“If the proposal is approved, it will mean cutting three ranger posts.”

Comments

WHERESTHESPORTSMINISTER says...

Another crazy decision by our council, the powers that be probably have never made a visit to this place and therefore do not appreciate what the park is all about, the council motto appears to be let's save, save, save regardless of the impact that it may have.