Angry great outdoors campaigners have launched a petition urging North Ayrshire Council not to go ahead with plans to scrap the vital Eglinton Country Park ranger service as part of a raft of proposed budget cuts.
And at the time of writing it had achieved an incredible 5,000 signatures inside seven days.
They say it will lose its coveted status as a country park if the moves are made, leaving it with little to offer visitors.
The controversial idea is being considered as part of sweeping measures to plug a funding gap of almost £16m and would save £98,000.
Now the campaigners are lobbying the council to change their minds about the fate of the park as the budget setting meeting looms next month.
A petition spokesman said: “There are only two-and-a-half full-time equivalent rangers so if they are cut then the park loses its country park status. In terms of the property portfolio it just becomes a green space.
“This means the council do not have to maintain the park as much. They have a caretaker service which will remain.
“But if park rangers go the path stewards won’t be able to operate.
“The community garden, which is a popular facility, would also have to close. We would lose volunteering opportunities, education programmes and school visits.
“It would be good if people could petition their local councillors about this. We will also bring along placards to the park to put across our point of view at some point.
“The council will meet in February 2025 to decide on the fate of the park – help us lobby the council to keep Eglinton Country Park a place for all to enjoy and keep the only country park in North Ayrshire.”
Campaigners say without professional management, we could see increased litter, vandalism, and neglect.
The facility, they claim, is more than just a park; it’s the heart of the community, a sanctuary for wildlife, and a place where countless memories are made.
A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “For 2024/25, we anticipate a significant budget gap, which will require us to make a number of savings.
“Unfortunately, that means there will be difficult choices ahead. However, it is important to stress that no decisions have yet been taken on any potential savings.
“We are currently analysing feedback we received during our recent engagement with communities and this will help inform councillors when they meet to set the budget in February 2025.”
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