Last updated 15:56, Wednesday, 07 May 2008

THOSE angry about the loss of two Neighbourhood Wardens from their estates in south Whitehaven were planning to mount a protest demonstration at a meeting of the South Whitehaven Neighbourhood Management Board today.

clear message: Greenbank and Woodhouse residents (from left) Teresa Maudling, Susan Burns and Liz Hughes

They were busy making placards and banners at Greenbank community hall on Tuesday.

Today’s meeting, due to be held at St Peter’s Hall, Kells, was expected to consider the matter of a reduction in the Neighbourhood Wardens from four to two.

But Liz Hughes, secretary of Woodhouse Community Action Group, said people were very angry about the loss of these two posts and she ununderstood that those involved had already been told they were redundant.

The Neighbourhood Warden Team serves the communities of Woodhouse, Greenbank, Kells, Mirehouse and part of Hensingham. It was established last year to work with residents and the wider community to help tackle anti-social behaviour, restore community pride and improve the local environment.

Now, due to a reduction in funding, the South Whitehaven Neighbourhood Management Board had to consider reducing the team.

Mrs Hughes said the warden team were felt to be a real asset to the areas they covered. “People are angry that this is just another example of short-term intervention on our estates.

“The funding runs out and we lose whatever has been of benefit to us.’’