14th March 2015
Langdon Hills, Essex, England
- Thurrock Council in financial crisis
- Christmas is cancelled at Country Park!
- Council to break wildlife laws in bid to save money
- Running Clubs soon to be running in rubbish?
Thurrock Council have decided to leave Langdon Hills Country Park unmanaged, cancelling events and planning to reduce maintenance at the site on the edge of Corringham in Essex. As part of a cost-cutting exercise the Council are removing a number of Ranger positions at the Country Park, and have acknowledged that the impacts will include health and safety risks, anti-social behaviour and loss of habitats and wildlife. Langdon Hills Action Group has formed from concerned members of the public in a bid to save the Country Park.
Where: Langdon Hills Country Park covers over 400 acres of land over two sites (One Tree Hill and Westley Heights), on the edge of the towns of Corringham and Basildon. The Country Park is popular with families, dog walkers, bird watchers, cyclists, horse riders, running clubs, school groups and more.
What: Council documents that have emerged propose leaving the Country Park "unmanaged" and having "no events" in the future. Events such as Santa in the Woods, drawing in 1,000 children to meet Santa every year, will no longer take place. Users of the Park will face a number of health and safety risks under the plans. There are also implications for wildlife such as rare orchids and butterflies, and plans to reduce maintenance of habitats would be in breach of legal agreements with Natural England to protect the wildflower meadows.
Why: Thurrock Council are in financial distress and they have indicated their aspirations to save £92.2k – however, after investigation we believe this figure is highly overstated and can never be achieved.
Who: Langdon Hills Action Group formed in January 2015 to investigate the Council’s plans and challenge their proposed savings, as well as raise awareness.
Who: Thurrock Council manages the Langdon Hills Country Park, partly owned by Thurrock Council and partly by Essex County Council.
When: Thurrock Council have been considering these proposals since mid-2014 at least (see document …..), although not widely publicised and only just coming to light. A number of Country Park events, planned in the current year, have already been cancelled. Thurrock Council have not yet indicated timescales for their plans to leave the Country Park unmanaged.
For more information please contact Langdon Hills Action Group on langdonhillsactiongroup@gmail.com with “Press Enquiry” in the subject line.
