To balance the books Thurrock Council intend to implement brutal cuts to services including plans to leave Country Parks “unmanaged”.
We are particularly concerned with Langdon Hills Country Park i.e. the 400 acres across the two sites One Tree Hill and Westley Heights, lying near the towns of Basildon and Corringham. Langdon Hills Country Park is openly acknowledged as the “Jewel in the Crown” in Thurrock.
Recent discussions with Thurrock Council reveal that the Council intends to decimate the staffing of these parks leaving only one full-time Ranger in place. Further detail on Council intentions has proven elusive so The Langdon Hills Action Group has been formed to identify Council intentions, analyse the risks and ramifications for the environment and the local communities.
It is understood that Thurrock Council are in financial distress and they have indicated their aspirations to save £92.2k – however, we believe this figure is highly overstated and can never be achieved.
The wider implications of Council plans are very grave and include amongst many others:
- Destroying years of work in developing the parks - within a very short time they will become public liabilities.
- The permanent loss of rare plants and animals.
- Contravention of laws which protect biodiversity.
- The loss of park events like “Santa In The Woods” which alone brings in 1,000 children plus families.
- The loss of an Education Ranger, school trips and educational visits.
- Increased risks for park users both in terms of Health and Safety.
- An overall devaluation of the neighbouring areas with potential adverse impacts for businesses, public and private property values.
More details of how the public will be affected by these plans can be found in the Action Group's Report.
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