Greenwich Conservatives Leader Matt Hartley has written to the Leader of the Council, Antony Okereke, urging him to withdraw RBG's proposal to close Maryon Wilson Animal Park, or face a separate, dedicated vote forced by the Opposition Group at the Town Hall.
The letter was followed by Sunday's packed public meeting at St Thomas' Church, Charlton, where more than 150 residents showed their support for the community's campaign to save the Animal Park. Last week Conservative councillors had it confirmed that the proposal will save only £5,000 over the coming four year period covered by the Council's budget proposals.
Councillor Matt Hartley, Leader of the Opposition, said: "I only wish the Leader of the Council had been at the public meeting on Sunday, to hear from himself the powerful contributions that residents made on what the Animal Park means to our community. It's time for the Council's leadership to withdraw this proposal - and it would be far better to do that quickly. In my letter I've also given the Council leadership advanced notice that if the proposal is NOT withdrawn by the time the Budget comes to Full Council in late Feb/early March, then the Opposition Group will bring forward our own Amendment to remove this item. This will be voted on by all councillors in a separate, dedicated vote. Let's hope they see sense and listen!"
Read Councillor Matt Hartley's letter to the Leader of the Council here, and watch Matt's speech at the public meeting here.
