A RALLYING call to save the park rangers has been made by a former colleague who now lives in the United States.

John Cunliffe said the service is at the front line of combating anti-social behaviour and he wants people to fight Warrington Borough Council's decision to cut numbers.

Two assistant ranger posts have been scrapped and another two vacant posts will not be filled after a budget cut of £33,000 was agreed in February.

The council is still trying

to sort out the summer events that the rangers would normally organise.

Mr Cunliffe, a former Penketh resident and park ranger who now lives with his wife in Dallas, Texas, said: "I probably saw and dealt with more incidents of anti-social behaviour than are ever reported.

"The Ranger Service, like

the police, are in the front line when it comes to dealing with these problems

"The ranger service develop working relationships with youngsters and cuts and reductions will just add to the problems Warrington is already experiencing."

The council is currently consulting on the changes to the service, which will see the service shift all the parks to mobile units based in town centre parks.

Mr Cunliffe added: "Don't allow budget cuts to eliminate or water down the effectiveness of the rangers.

"They are not particularly well paid yet they never complain or walk out if the going gets tough.

"Many times you will find them working on projects on days off.

Their budget is small - their impact is immeasurable." sbailey@guardiangrp.co.uk