Park helpers praised

AS ORGANISER of voluntary work parties in the New Hall Valley on a semi-regular basis, I would like to pay tribute to the people who use and respect this park enough to turn out in all weathers to do real manual labour.

After the recent wet spell, a certain path in the park had become unsafe and deeply muddy.

We have been working to alleviate this problem by using ground mesh to give a dry, but permeable surface.

On Sunday morning after the wettest week for some time, I decided to cancel the project until a drier time.

However, on arriving on site with hastily made cancel posters, I was joined by two others.

Further volunteers appeared and on it went until nearly 20 hardy souls were stood in the rain itching to work.

We then spent a very productive couple of hours moving materials to strategic points so that we could be ready to try again.

When one hears the phrase 'broken Britain', I want to shout 'not here it isn't!' because I'm sure that these scenes are replicated all over this country.

No matter what the weather or job, there are always people who volunteer for no reward or even public acclaim.

As the staffing situation in the parks department worsens, volunteer working groups will become even more important.

We should value them. We, the community, all benefit, so may I say thank all who care enough to act.

Jeff Gilbert, New Hall Valley Steering Group Chairman.