Savings in other areas could mean keeping park rangers and enviro-crime officers

Lib Dems have urged Ealing Council to reconsider proposed cuts to ranger and enviro-crime officers suggesting that funding can be found from a reduction in the media budget.

After discussion, where Ealing Liberal Democrat Leader Councillor Gary Malcolm put forward a number of proposals, the Council agreed to:

• reconsider the cuts to the ranger and enviro-crime service
• A commitment that the media team’s budget will be reduced further to allow scope for fewer cuts in the ranger service
• A commitment that the allowances (called special responsibility allowance) given Councillors will be reviewed so that reductions can be made, again to give more scope for keeping front-line staff such as park rangers and the enviro-crime officers.

Councillor Gary Malcolm said: “Liberal Democrats believe the cuts of 50% to the rangers and enviro-crime officers are too severe given that they do so much to keep our streets and parks clean and safer."

A recent survey conducted by Mayor of London Boris Johnson found that many residents were 'too scared' to use some of the capital's parks. The findings prompted the Mayor to launch Safer Parks Awards to recognise measures boroughs and friends of parks groups have taken to reduce crime and anti social behaviour.

A mother of three told ChiswickW4.com: "After my children and I received abuse from teenagers on more than occasion we don't use Southfield Recreation Ground any more which is a shame as it's so close to our home. Dog Watch has made the area a little more friendly, but we prefer to use Acton Green Common as it's more open."

The presence of Park Rangers go a long way to combating such issues.

Boris Johnson said: "We live in one of the greenest capitals in the world, with over 3,000 parks and we all have the right to use them without fear of crime. Parks make a tremendous difference to our quality of life and everyone from early morning joggers, to kids riding their bikes after school should be able to use them with confidence.

"My award will recognise the hard work that goes on across London to keep our parks free of crime. From cutting down hedges to increase visibility, to installing CCTV and strong lighting, little things can make a big impact on safety and deter criminality. If you have noticed improvements that have revitalised your park, then it’s high time we praised the people who made this happen.”

Applications must be made online at www.london.gov.uk/saferparks. Applications must be received by the 31 January 2011 (final deadline).

December 28, 2010