Tory-controlled Harlow Council today confirmed that they have withdrawn all financial support from Harlow’s Active Retired scheme.

The Active Retired scheme includes a diverse programme of town-wide leisure activities for all Harlow residents over 50 years of age. Activities take place at the Norman Booth BATTS Centre, the Abercrombie Barn, Moot House Community Centre and the Griffin Bowls Centre. The group organises activities such as indoor bowling, outdoor bowling, rambling, badminton, dancing and keep fit. It is estimated that the scheme has around 500 members in Harlow.

Harlow Council confirmed the funding cut in a letter to Mr Rammell after the local MP raised concerns with Harlow Council about this.

Mr Rammell said: “It is clear to see where the priorities of Harlow Council’s Conservative administration lie. Issues like this illustrate the choice voters face in the upcoming elections. Do they want a party like Labour who will invest in help for people who need it most, or a party like the Conservatives who will cut help to projects for the most vulnerable in society? It also shows that Conservative councils cannot slash their budgets without cutting services which are most valued by local people. I strongly urge Harlow Council not to cut this valued scheme for over 50s, and I will continue to fight for this.”

Harry Edwards, regular group member, said: “I am very disappointed at this news. I am an active member of the group and I regularly attend the excellent activities organised for older people. That Harlow Council has cut all financial support makes the future very uncertain for the group. They say they want to keep people over 50 active, and then they cut funding for this scheme. Where is the logic in that? It’s not just the exercise, many older people also welcome the social side of the scheme and it’s an opportunity to go out and meet people during the day. This is a great shame for me and many other active older people in Harlow.”