A petition with more than 1,200 signatures from people opposing changes to adult education has been handed in to the council.

It is one of five circulating after plans to review the way Merton Adult Education (MAE) in Raynes Park is run were announced by Merton Council last year.

The service is under review as the council strives to save £32m over the next few years.

The petition was set up by Shas Sheehan, the parliamentary spokesperson for Wimbledon Liberal Democrats, and she was joined by Posey Furnish, chair of governors at neighbouring Joseph Hood Primary School and residents last Friday to hand in the petition at the Civic Offices in Morden.

In a document submitted with the 1,250 strong petition, Ms Sheehan said: "Signatories to this petition are not satisfied that the financial case to close Whatley Avenue Centre for MAE has been presented in an acceptable form, nor that the proper scrutiny process has been followed.

"Furthermore, any decision to close the Whatley Avenue centre would conflict with Merton council’s own Ageing Well Programme, which hinges on the availability of suitable venues in the community where elderly, disabled and other vulnerable people can feel comfortable.

"Without these nurturing environments the epidemic of loneliness and isolation will skyrocket in Merton."

The public consultation into the future of MAE in Whatley Avenue ended on Sunday, January 18.

The results are due to be discussed at a council cabinet meeting on Monday, February 16.