ON the 1st of December, Harlow Labour Councillors and activists staged a demo outside The Maples respite centre in Little Parndon in protest about proposed cuts to services by Essex County Council. The proposals which are due to come into effect next April will mean the number of beds will be cut from 8 to 4.

Local Councillor Chris Vince who organised the protest said, ‘having spoken to parents, and staff members it is clear this service is vital. I am pleased that so many people came along to show their support for the centre. For parents with children with complex needs who use The Maples it is a lifeline. It provides essential and tailored care that alternatives like childminding can’t.’

Chris was joined by leader of Harlow Council Mark Ingall and Labour’s Parliamentary candidate for Harlow and the villages Laura McAlpine who added her words of support, ‘centres like the Maples offer a service which is so important to parents and young people alike and Harlow Labour Party are determined to fight these cuts.’

Harlow Labour Party has set up an online petition and in the new year will be going from door to door adding names to it.