New Petition to support Ealing's Parks and Park Rangers
The last Park Ranger petition only came to the notice of the public ONE DAY before it was due to close. Having attempted to start a new one on the Council's site nearly two weeks ago I'm still waiting for it to be approved and can see no way of asking what the problem is with it - so I began this one. So far we have collected 418 signatures in 6 days - but mostly from the Hanwell part of the borough for some reason. I want to make sure that Acton residents are also aware of it.http://www.petitionbuzz.com/petitions/ealingparkrangersWe all have things we think it's important to try to protect - and have our own reasons for supporting the causes we do. This is mine. The current management proposal is to create a team of 4 Nature Conservation Rangers with a manager, and 4 Parks Area Officers. The Nature Conservation Rangers, based in Southall, will implement the Council's Biodiversity Action Plan and the Mayor of London's Priority Park Scheme, by carrying out task work on Council managed nature conservation sites, including the River Brent as it flows through Ealing. They will work Monday to Friday and occasional weekends when required.The Parks Area Officers, based in Acton, will co-ordinate volunteer work, work with Councillors and neighbourhood officers, and attend ward forum, ward panel, and local residents meetings. They will work Monday to Friday, with attendance at evening meetings.At present, the Council's plans for replacing the rangers patrolling and enforcement roles in borough's 140 parks and open spaces haven't been announced. At present no proposal has been announced for replacing the work carried out by the rangers 364 days a year, working from 09.00, 7 days a week, and up to 21.00 in the summer months (May-August).In short, the current 20 rangers will be able to apply for a total of 9 posts in the restructured parks service.Unison, the trade union representing the rangers, has put forward an alternative proposed structure that retains 12 ranger posts, whilst cutting the Assistant Directors post (currently paying £90,000 pa).The union has argued that cutting a front line service, that the council has pledged to protect, is misguided, especially when it will only result in a very small overall saving. Whilst acknowledging that savings will have to be made, Unison argues that the council should look elsewhere within its organisation before making cuts to an efficient and highly regarded front line service, especially given that at present there is no credible alternative to dealing with patrolling and enforcement role, and the huge variety of other roles undertaken by the rangers.If we get 1500 signatures then the Council will have to take notice of it, so any signatures added to the petition from your friends family and neighbours are really important and appreciated.
Jane Salisbury ● 5715d0 Comments