Protest at park sacking

Christ's Hospital said it was being forced to make one of two park keepers redundant and contract out gardening work to save money.

But people living near Albert Park said the move showed a lack of foresight.

Head keeper Tom Robinson will keep his job, but will have to divide his time between the park and gardening and maintenance duties at the charity's 32 almshouses in the town.

Dave Battell will lose his job after six years.

Almost 100 people have signed a petition calling on Christ's Hospital to review its decision.

The organiser, Eve Bartholomew, of Faringdon Road, said she was outraged by the decision.

"The park is kept tidy and beautiful by our two park keepers, local men, who take a pride in their work," she said. "They know and chat with all the park regulars and work with a degree of diligence and conscientiousness.

"The decision to contract out gardening services seems to have been taken with a stunning lack of foresight."

But the clerk to the governors of Christ's Hospital James Mirabal said: "This is not a decision the governors have taken lightly.

"We have to look carefully at our income and costs, and it was decided that contracting out work at Albert Park is the best way forward in terms of cost and flexibility.

"Mr Robinson will continue to carry out some duties in the park but will do gardening and some maintenance work at our almshouses in the town. We have no intention of neglecting our duties towards Albert Park."

Mr Battell, of Cotman Close, Abingdon, will lose his job after Christmas.

He said: "I'm very disappointed. I love my job here and will be sad to leave. I will be looking for a similar job."

Christ's Hospital celebrates its 450th anniversary next year. It is one of the oldest charities in the country.

Over the centuries it has been bequeathed properties and land from which it draws rent to help maintain the almhouses and Albert Park.

The downturn in financial markets has hit its investments.