Openness and transparency on the part of Merton Council has been lacking from the start of the whole sorry saga of proposed changes to adult education.

The initial letter informing staff and students was delivered late in the day, and casually raised the spectre of killing all adult education classes in Merton.

Are they surprised that students, staff, parents at Joseph Hood school, carers of the many students with special needs and disabilities and residents alike reacted with dismay and wondered what the future held for the Whatley Avenue site?

This dismay soon turned to outrage as realisation dawned that no consultation was planned - the letter stated that a decision would be unilaterally announced in January. Furthermore, the item was not even on the cabinet’s November agenda.

I immediately set up a petition and contacted The director of Community and Housing to protest. Under pressure from the student-led Save MAE group, the council hastily backed down from its indefensible position, announced an online consultation and added the issue onto a last minute supplementary agenda.

The online consultation which ends on 4 January, includes the two weeks over Christmas and New Year, when many people are away, and the very busy run-up to Christmas when people are hard pressed for time. Surely the consultation period should be extended?

Notwithstanding the above, here are some important dates for residents who wish to take part in the consultation:

Tuesday December 2 at 2pm and again at 7pm, the council will hold public meetings in the council chamber, Civic Centre, Morden.

First week in December - the date of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel that will examine the call-in is still to be finalised. Details should be available next week.

It is important to come along to these meetings if you wish to show your support for MAE.

Shas Sheehan

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson for Wimbledon, Morden, Raynes Park and Motspur Park

 

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