Week of campaigning after Greenwich council announce cuts

Parents and park users are just some of the groups who oppose the plans and are continuing to fight the cuts.

Animal Care Centre in Maryon Wilson Park, Charlton

MORE than 1,100 people have joined a Facebook group to save the under threat Animal Care Centre in Maryon Wilson Park.

If sponsorship for the centre in Charlton cannot be found it may close in April 2012, saving a total of £43,000 each year.

The centre, which has been enjoyed by the community for 50 years, is home to sheep, goats, horses, deer, wild fowl and two pigs.

Friends Group chairman Tim Anderson said: “We are very disappointed and rather shocked.

“We do understand there is a need for cuts but we were hoping the council keeps the animals in the park until alternative funding is found.”

The park offers Meet the Animal sessions and is used by special schools Willow Dene, in Swingate Lane, Plumstead, and Charlton Park School in Charlton Park Road, Charlton.

Mother and toddler drop in groups

ANGRY parents spoke at the mayor and cabinet meeting on December 14 in opposition to the closure of four mother and toddler drop-in groups, which would save £101,000 each year.

The council has put forward three proposals to the service users.

- Introduce the use of volunteers or parents to operate the groups - Charge fees to make the provision self-financing - Re-direct users to children’s centres Childminder Emma Bates, of Maryon Road, Woolwich, said: “Sure Start centres are not big enough for everyone and they are not open during the holiday.

“Charging for the groups won’t work because a lot of the people are single mums or on a low income.”

The 23-year-old added: “Taking it over by volunteers won’t work either. There won’t be anyone as experienced as they are now. The person at the Charlton one has been there for 38 years and is there come rain or shine.

“We are going to keep emailing the children services. We are not going to just drop it.”

Save Our Services

MEMBERS of Greenwich Save Our Services protested outside a full council meeting on December 15 against the cuts.

Group member Paul Callanan said: “It’s an absolute disgrace. They are asking us to pay for a crisis caused by the bosses.

"They turn round to ordinary working class people and say ‘you have to pay it’.

“The homecare cuts are of concern and also the animal park because it’s a particularly stingy cut.

“It’s one of the only opportunities some kids in the area get to see these types of animals.”

He added: “They are all horrible dirty cuts.”

Members will be attending the National Shop Stewards Network conference on January 22, which links up anti-cuts groups across the country to build one united campaign.

A march through Woolwich is planned for February.