I am writing in response to two letters published in the Feedback section of your newspaper about the closure of the Hard of Hearing Resources Centre in Morden.

I was surprised at the blame attributed to Merton Council and the claim that we have cut its funding, because this is certainly not the case.

What has happened is that the time-limited funding (not from the council) on which the centre relied has come to an end.

The council is therefore working with the voluntary sector and primary care trust to find a solution and ensure the needs of residents with hearing difficulties are satisfactorily met.

I would also like to address the claim regarding lip reading classes at Merton College. In their letter to you, one resident stated that the cost has increased from £30 to £90.

The full cost of the course is currently £90 and if the means tested concession is applied it is £45.

There has not been a three-fold increase over the last year, as had been suggested.

SIMON WILLIAMS, director community and housing London borough of Merton