'The council's survey is biased, we do not want to lose our community, our beloved adult education courses must be saved'.

Those were a few of the responses from up to 50 residents at a public meeting last night to discuss council proposals to cut the amount of money it spends on adult education.

Wimbledon MP Stephen Hammond hosted the meeting at Merton Adult Education in Whatley Avenue, Raynes Park, last night, which was earmarked as the first service to be ‘under review’ as Merton Council strives to shave £32m off its budget.

Among the attendees was a woman who said signing up to an upholstery course had helped her after a mental health break-down, a family who hoped they would be able to learn new skills for generations to come, and retired men and women who did not want to lose their hobbies.

Speaking at the meeting, Mr Hammond said: "There is no reason for the council to take adult education services away from here.

"There is a huge amount of people that benefit from these services.

"This is being rushed through."

He said the level of concern could be measured by the amount of people who turned up on a cold Wednesday night to talk about their fears for its future.

Another woman who spoke out said: "I think it is really short-sighted of the council.

"They will have to spend more on other services if they do this."

The meeting was a question and answer session, and although Mr Hammond does not have any power to make decisions about the budget, he advised people to make their views known by signing one of the two petitions, writing letters to the council and sending emails to his office.

Signs had been prepared for people to display in homes and cars and a mailing list set up for information to be shared.

One attendee said she had completed the council’s online consultation about possible changes to the service and thought the questions were biased in favour of change.

"Can you raise the question about the content of the council survey - it is biased," she asked Mr Hammond.

Two meetings for residents organised by the council have been scheduled for Tuesday, December 2 at 2pm and 7pm at the council chamber in Morden.

Councillor Martin Whelton and director of the community and housing department, Simon Williams, will be on hand to discuss options.

Take part in the survey here.