Harlow Council have approved a decision to cut back the services provided by the Leah Manning Centre. This will affect a large number of elderly people in the community, many of whom are virtually housebound. They rely upon the centre to give them a quality of life they would otherwise be denied. For the last 8 months my Grandmother has been attending the Leah Manning Centre one day a week, she really looks forward to this as it is the only opportunity she gets to socialise with people of her own age who are often in similar circumstances. For my Nan the Leah Manning Centre is a lifeline, without it she would be stuck in her house on her own for the majority of the time. I am utterly convinced that without the support, friendship and help that my Nan currently receives at the centre she would just give up. There are many other elderly people in the same position as her and it is disgusting that the council should have such disregard for them. We the undersigned believe these cutbacks are a disgraceful way to treat some of the most vulnerable people in our society and should not be made. The Leah Manning Centre was opened in 1980 and has become the focal point of Harlow Councils care and provision for the towns older residents. It offers a valuable respite facility for families. The Centre also encourages personal and social development of individuals by providing a range of indoor games that maximise hand to eye coordination.They hold quizzes, reminiscence, recall and discussions to encourage cognitive alertness. This petition will be forwarded to Harlow Council, your support is appreciated.