'Nasty' Tories planning to charge for using park

A document outlining 100 ways to cut services has been published by the Tories - including a proposal to charge people to go into parks.

Conservative town hall bosses say farmers markets, fireworks, ice rinks, fun fairs and the like can be popular.

So they suggest: "Charge to hold events in parks. Often revenue can be secured for events residents enjoy."

Among the other "nasty" cash-cow ideas by Hammersmith and Fulham Councillor Harry Phibbs are:

Send vulnerable children to boarding schools to slash costs of care homes.

Close town hall canteens and send staff "along the high street to Spud-u-like".

Chop legal advice centres for the poor "as often they sue the local council".

Sack night staff at care home for the elderly and install sprinkler systems.

Force staff to have flu jabs so sick leave is reduced.

Encourage park wardens to issue on-the-spot litter fines.

Shut "drab and dreary" youth centres.

Get rid of kids' playgroups and OAPs' taxi services.

Labour's local government spokesman Sir Jeremy Beecham called the proposals "chilling" and added: "This is a vicious attack on the most vulnerable in our communities from a Tory flagship."

Councillor Ann Lucas, of Labour's ruling National Executive Committee, added: "We are witnessing the rebirth of the Thatcherite nasty party.

But Councillor Phibbs yesterday stood by the 100 cuts which he said "would help reduce the Council Tax".