Sir

As Councillor for Little Parndon and Hare Street I am very concerned to hear about the proposed cuts by Essex County Council to the Maples respite centre. This centre provides vital respite services to parents with children with complex needs and I personally oppose any downgrading of services.

I am pleased that the leader of Harlow Council Mark Ingall and Labour Parliamentary candidate Laura McAlpine have added words of support on this matter and would urge everyone, whatever their party political affiliation, to sign the petition which can be found on harlowlabourparty.org. I will also be doing a paper petition in the town centre next weekend.

My good friend Russell Kennedy is a parent of a child with learning difficulties and said about centres like the Maples ‘they are a lifeline for parents, many of whom are already under intolerable strain.’

I hope that Essex County Council will reconsider these proposals and how damaging they would be to those who rely on respite care.

https://www.harlowlabourparty.org/save-maples-respite-centre/