Nearly 1,000 people have joined a campaign to keep a much-loved council officer working to protect Thanet's coastline in a job.

Thanet District Council wants to cut the Thanet Coast Project Officer role occupied by Tony Child for more than 15 years in a move described by opponents as "short-sighted".

Volunteer wardens have set up a petition calling on the council to reverse its decision before the end of a consultation period ending on Thursday.

The last-gasp effort comes as the council's move threatens to end the coast project, a popular scheme established in 2001 to safeguard the Isle's coastline, protect wildlife and raise awareness of important environmental issues relating to the coast.

The petition, which was set up on Monday by Sam Bessant and already has reached more than 950 signatures, is calling for the council to retain Mr Child's role after budget cuts were approved by councillors last month.

Mr Child is responsible for managing coastal wardens, training volunteers and working with businesses and schools and community groups to gain a better understanding of the issues facing coastal areas.

Ms Bessant said: "Coastal Wardens give their time freely to monitor, protect, enhance and educate about the Thanet Coast and its wonderful, diverse marine species, wildlife and Chalk Reef. The Thanet Coast Project has over 100 trained volunteers that need coordinating and without this key role, it is likely to be the end of the project.

"This volunteer resource provided over 2,200 hours of work on the Thanet coast last year. The tasks and activities carried out by the volunteers are arranged, coordinated and supported by Tony Child, the current Thanet Coast Project Officer.

She says she wants the petition to raise awareness about the council's decision to cut funding for the service after the council ratified making £250,000 in "organisational efficiencies" in the budget for 2019/20.

TDC has previously refused to speak about job losses at the council saying it does not comment on "specific staffing matters".

Supporters say they are backing the petition because the coastline is one of Thanet's most important assets.

Jessica Lauren, from Margate, said: "This is really really important. The quality of our coastline is one of the most vital and precious resources we have, we need to protect it as if it were treasure. Please please don't cut this vital position."

Coastal warden, Adrienne Simons, said: "Tony provides an incredible service to his local community. I am one of the volunteers who has been trained and encouraged to fulfil my role as a Coastal Warden in Thanet.

"Not only does his one post run a team of 200-plus volunteers, I for one have seen ridiculous amounts of overtime Tony has put in to sustain this important role that involved more responsibility with less resource in the 12 to 13 years I have been a coastal warden.

"With the significant concern there is regarding climate change it is imperative roles like this are protected to at least give our coastal areas a fighting chance by recruiting interest and support from this local community who really care, unlike those who seem to think these issues are non existent or important."

Thanet District Council has been approached for comment.

To view and sign the petition go to the Change.org website here.

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