HILLINGDON Council's proud record on green spaces could be under threat after a number of cuts to the department which looks after them.

The Gazette understands that another post has been lost from the Green Spaces team - already reduced in size this year when the dedicated park ranger service was withdrawn.

The unit is responsible for council-owned playgrounds, parks, open spaces, cemeteries, burial grounds and grass verges in the borough.

In July, the borough reached an all time high of 19 Green Flag parks, the capital's second highest after Westminster.

Now the tough economic climate and a squeeze on its finances from central government, has forced the council to make tough choices.

Fran Beasley, deputy chief executive, said: "In Hillingdon, we have made every effort to maintain the services that residents say they value most, such as weekly waste collections, road repairs, libraries and many others.

"Like all authorities, we have had to respond to the national pressures on the economy and are seeking to make £26m of savings this year and inevitably this has meant the council has had to lose some staff."

The latest job role to go, that of green spaces area officer, has resulted in the redundancy of the council's 2010 Employee of the Year, Damien Searle.

The council will not comment on individual employment issues, but

Mr Searle had been instrumental in the council's achievement of winning the record 19 Green Flags, and worked closely with the Friends of Eastcote House Gardens.

Friends' chairman, Lesley Crowcroft, said: "Damien is fantastic, he works with all the friends groups at the local parks and without him most will fold.

"Through his hard work Eastcote House Gardens achieved Green Flag status. We have started a campaign to have this situation reviewed."

Mr Searle had been in charge of 27 parks and 24 children's play areas in the north of the borough. After picking up the Employee of the Year award in July 2010, he spoke about why he loved his job.

"I think I've got the best job in the world," he said. "How many people can say to their boss: 'I'm off to the park,' and he says: 'OK.'

"But I can only do my job with the support of my team, my family, and the residents and park users I work with."

Should parks be given the same protection as weekly rubbish collection, road repairs and libraries? Your views welcome, as always. www.uxbridgegazette.co.uk/tellus, or write to us at the address on the letters page.