Lib Dems Fight Against Tory Council Cuts to Hanwell Park Rangers (Ealing Borough Liberal Democrats)

Ealing Borough Liberal Democrats <info@ealinglibdems.org.uk>

Lib Dems Fight Against Tory Council Cuts to Hanwell Park Rangers

October 13, 2007 12:00 AM

Cllr Gary Malcolm listening to the concerns of local Lib Dem campaigner Nigel Bakhai and other Hanwell residents

The Lib Dems leapt into action to 'call-in' (review a council decision) a Tory council plan to cut two senior park rangers and three contract managers who look after the parks and open spaces around the borough. Lib Dem leader councillor Harvey Rose led the call in and councillor Gary Malcolm was on the committee deciding the issue.

At the Overview & Scrutiny meeting (Thursday 11th October) all the Conservatives voted to support the cuts despite the opposition from many local residents present at the meeting to give their reasons why the ranger service should not be cut.

Councillor Gary Malcolm said: "These plans were part of a wider set of Tory cuts. By cutting staff in the ranger teams It seems that the Tories obviously do not care about the environment and protecting our open spaces."

Gary added: "Residents in Hanwell were rightly angry that they had not been consulted about the changes that will lead to the loss of the ranger base in Brent Lodge Park (known locally as the Bunny Park) and also in Horsenden Hill. Residents collected 557 signatures in a short space of time and also had concerns about anti-social behaviour in the parks that have not been addressed. It is sad the council did not agree to reverse the changes or review the proposals. It now means that the ranger service will be understaffed, less responsive and overworked. "