New proposals could see the number of posts more than halved
Ealing Park Rangers who look after over 100 open spaces across the borough, including the extensive Brent River Park and Horsenden Hill, have been told that more than half are likely to lose their jobs.
The rangers are responsible for all the parks and countryside in Ealing and there are two teams, one in the East – based at Acton Park Lodge which covers sites to the east of the River Brent in Hanwell, Ealing and Acton, and the other in the West – based at Manor House Grounds, Southall covering sites to the west of the River Brent in Greenford, Perivale, Northolt and Southall.
The teams are being cutback as part of the Council's attempts to make millions of pounds of savings over the next four years. More jobs losses in other departments are expected to be approved at Ealing's Cabinet meeting at the end of the month.
The ranger proposals are to replace the current workforce with just 4 park officers and 5 'specialised' posts.
In a statement just issued a Council spokesperson said:
'' On Tuesday 30 November the council’s Cabinet will consider a package of possible savings. Under the proposals there would be four park officers co-ordinating activities and projects with local communities across the borough, as well as a new dedicated conservation team of five officers providing a more specialised service.
'' It is proposed these nine posts would replace the 20 park rangers and two managers in the current service. Consultation has begun with affected staff, but no decisions have yet been taken."
Although no final decisions have been made the rangers were told about the proposals yesterday and the news was met with shock and dismay.
Jane Salisbury Smith knows several rangers and says: " My son is a Park Ranger. I've also known two others since they were in their early teens and another who is a friend of my daughters, so I feel for them all personally - apart from not really understanding how Ealing Council proposes to take care all all their very many parks.''
She has set up a campaign group on Facebook called 'Save Ealing's Parks and Park Rangers' and is urging Ealing residents show their support.
17 November 2010
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