They shall not be moved. I think the banner says ‘Save Our Park’ not ‘Sour Park’, but you never can tell. Image supplied by Linda Mason who retains all rights.

Nice to see a good turnout last night for the Save Walsall’s Green Spaces and Countryside Services Group protest vigil at the Council House, where a meeting of the Council was taking place. Following publicity throughout the Walsall online community, and much hard work on the part of concerned protestors, it’s becoming clear that the message is getting through to our elected representatives.

Well done to all concerned, and if you haven’t done so yet, please do sign the petition. You can find out about the protest from the Group’s Blog, Facebook group and previous posts here.

Late last night, Linda Mason issued a press release following the direct action:

A successful protest was held this evening by the Save Walsall’s Green Spaces and Countryside Services Facebook Group.

The Group, recently formed to celebrate and protect Walsall’s Green Spaces, which are under threat from a £400K cut in funding by Walsall Council under draft proposals recently published, met outside the Council House in Walsall to lobby, leaflet and talk to councillors prior to a full council meeting that was taking place.

Linda Mason, spokesperson for the group explains that although the subject of cuts were not being debated at the meeting, it was important to keep the subject fresh in councillors minds and to remind them how much Walsall’s Green Spaces and in particular the Countryside and Park Rangers mean to the people of Walsall.

The protesters numbered a dozen or so and were able to engage some councillors in conversation, who in the main appeared broadly supportive. Protesters outlined their particular concerns regarding a proposed cut in Ranger posts. Councillor Arif, representing St Matthews ward said “We are not cutting any Countryside Rangers”.

Cllr Arif’s quote is most welcome to the group who will continue with their campaign which includes an online petition, now signed by the largest number of people in Walsall Council’s e-petition history and a web site.