They will be working in addition to the Council's five full time rangers - as a result of residents' concerns about safety.
The six new rangers are members of staff from Onyx and will be carrying out patrols, enforcing bylaws such as dog fouling and checking standards and security in the park. They will be easily recognisable as they will all be wearing a green uniform which identifies them as park rangers. They are combining their duties for Onyx and the Council to provide an effective service for the community.
This is a pilot project, brought about by residents' surveys which suggested that there were concerns over security and safety in parks in Hastings & St Leonards.
Councillor Trevor Webb, Cabinet Member responsible for Community Safety & Quality of Life, said:
"In consultation with residents, and through the review of our parks and open spaces it was very clear that we needed to make the presence of park rangers more obvious."
"With our contractors, Onyx, we have come up with a scheme that will ensure that park rangers are operating in a wider area over a greater time span. The staff who will be carrying out these duties have been identified as having the skills needed and will also be undergoing specialist training that the Council will provide."
"We intend to continue monitoring park users and will be carrying out surveys to find out their views on safety."
Sean Towey, Grounds Maintenance Manager for Onyx, said:
"Our staff have been taken on in this role on the basis of their knowledge of the town and public needs, their individual interpersonal skills and the fact they can conduct their ranger duties as part and parcel of daily gardening life.
"They have undertaken training to ensure that they can deal with every enquiry, complaint and situation in a safe, professional and successful manner. Their progress will be monitored and discussed on a regular basis with the Council."
The new rangers are: Marshall Haley (Supervisor), Steve Wilson, Peter Barrasford, Alan Robert, Ken Spall (Supervisor) and Don Mackway. They join the Council's full time rangers, Karen Rigby-Faux, Guy Loder, Steve Prosser, Nick Hennessy (one more ranger will shortly be appointed). They are pictured with Parks & Open Space Manager Martin Jenks, Sean Towey and Councillors Birch and Webb.
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This page last updated: 15/10/2001