Rangers drafted in to protect Northampton’s beauty spots
THREE new rangers will work in some of Northampton’s premier parks to help provide a better environment for the public.
Northampton Borough Council made the decision in May last year to introduce three rangers to look after The Racecourse, Delapre Park and Abington Park, and the positions were filled in September.
The new recruits are Vikkie Maloney, who will look after Abington Park; Debbie Samwell, who is responsible for Delapre Park; and Rachel Bignell, who is in charge of The Racecourse.
Councillor John Caswell, Northampton Borough Council cabinet member for the environment, said: “Our premier parks are among Northampton’s true assets and we should treasure them. The rangers will be dedicated to working with local communities to look after these three beautiful parks for the benefit of all.”
The rangers will provide a port of call for residents and visitors to the park and work with park friends’ groups, the police and neighbourhood wardens to help look after the green spaces, deal with issues and concerns and support or organise events.
Ms Bignell said: “I think it’s important that we are in the parks as a presence and people can talk to us about issues and also find out how to get involved in improving the park.”
They will help organise and support events taking place in the park, including heritage open days at Delapre Park on March 17 and 18; mini Safaris to celebrate National Insect Week on June 26, 27, and 28’ events to mark the Olympics; health walks; Jubilee celebrations and large events, such at the annual Umbrella Fair at The Racecourse and the beer festival at Delapre.
Ms Samwell said: “We want to get more people into the parks. We are all champions of our own parks but we want people to use all the parks.
“They have all got different characteristics and there is something for everyone. We have a huge expanse of open space in Northampton that people can take some time to enjoy.”
She said the rangers would also work to educate people about littering and dog fouling, which are continuous problems in all three parks.
She added: “They are learning not to drop litter and to take care of the park, as they will be the ones to use it in the future.”
People are invited to help at a clean-up session of The Racecourse on January 28.
For details or to contact the rangers call 0300 330 7000 or email vmaloney@northampton.gov.uk or dsamwell@northampton.gov.uk or rbignell@northampton.gov.uk
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Comments
There are 6 comments to this article
Page 1 of 1
jay49
Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at 01:16 PMI would like to see one improvement made to the Racecourse (Barrack Road end) urgently. Please provide toilet facilities for the children and adults who use the dragon mound area. It is too far to run up to the Pavilion for a child who needs one quickly. Why is the old block of toilets not in use? - If it isn't cost effective to have them mended then, sell it to someone who would be able to provide a much needed facility for the public. There has to be 'ways and means' of solving this problem. Hopefully, someone will come up with a solution.
lady muck
Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at 10:33 AMPhil123...thank you..I'll put it on the mobile...watch out dog-owners.
Phil123
Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at 09:23 AMThe number to report dog fouling is 01604 838000. 101 can also be used to report litter and dog fouling but you'll need to get something to id the person either a car reg or photo. I suspect that calling and waiting for a warden to come is not the most efficient way of dealing with this.
TheCount
Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at 09:18 AMGreat...more cuts.....
Pending Moderation
Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at 08:32 AMIs this one of those "recycling old news" stories? Some credit to the Chron. It does say the rangers started work last September and that story is at www.northamptonchron.co.ukcommunityrangers_aim_to_earn_green_flag_for_parks_1_3046097. So when do the rangers cease to be "new"?
lady muck
Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at 08:05 AMPlease publish their mobile numbers which I presume they use whilst on patrol. Then the public can report littering and dog fouling instantly. I have seen it happen but had nobody to report to....doubt if the police would take it seriously. These anti-social people don't need 'educating'...they need 5 years inside...
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