Angry protesters gathered today outside Thurrock Council offices to demand cuts to Langdon Hills Country Park are stopped.

Around 50 angry residents waved placards and chanted, “Stop the cuts!” before members of the council’s security team descended upon the group.

The protesters stormed Grays town centre by waving placards and banners outside the Civic Offices in Grays, then marched down Grays High Street chanting.

Members of the angry group shouted out, “They should cut council jobs, not park jobs” before three ringleaders of the protest were rounded up and taken up to speak to council staff.

The protests have been organised against cuts to the Langdon Park rangers – who are being cut in number from five to one.

Kim Burnham, who is giving up a high-flying job in the city to manage a bee-keeping business in the Langdon Hills Country Park said: “I’m extremely angry about what’s happening. The rangers are absolutely crucial to our business plans – and now, having worked with the council extensively, we are having to review our long-term viability.

“These cuts will not only affect my business – there are about three to four other businesses in the park the cuts will affect.”

Protestor Jackie Russell, 64, of Pembroke Avenue, Frost Estate, said: “I think it’s dreadful what’s happening and I feel absolutely devastated. If the rangers go then a lot of activities for children will go. The rangers are the ones with the expertise.”

Ken Rogers, 72, Lampitts Hill, Corringham said: “I was shocked when I heard. What the council is hoping is that the volunteers are going to do all the work and that’s ridiculous. I just hope to God that they see sense.”

Organisers of the protest, the Save the Langdon Hills Action Group, spoke of how they tried to bring a second coach of protesters – but could not afford it.

Charles Shearer, 63, Kingswood, Basildon, spoke for the group, saying: “We have had a huge number of people who wanted to attend today - but obviously the bulk of people are at work. If the council had been more forthcoming in the early days, we wouldn’t have been faced with this problem. ”

Dr Rodney Cole, of Living Landscapes went in to speak to council staff during the protest and came out to announce the result.

He said: “I’m disappointed with what the council have said. We wanted the council to commit to at least two permanent staff and they have said they will only commit to one. We will be fighting on this issue. I find it really ridiculous that the council voted this through.”

Dr Cole added that there are several sites of ecological critical importance in the Langdon Country Hills Park.

The park is home to an area of primeval ancient woodland, and several Sites of Special Scientific Interest that have been key in rescuing rare and protected wildlife.

Rangers are responsible for a number of services at Langdon Hills Country Park, including organising popular events for children, and essential maintenance works such as coppicing and fencing.

For more information, visit: http://langdonhillsactiongroup.blogspot.com