New proposals could see Southfield Rec and Acton Green Common suffer

Ealing Park Rangers who look after over 100 open spaces across the borough, including Southfield Recreation Ground and Acton Green Common, 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 Borough and are split into two teams based at Acton Park Lodge and Manor House Grounds.

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 four park officers and five 'specialised' posts.

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.

Ealing Borough resident Jane Salisbury Smith said: "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.

November 18, 2010