THE following letter regarding changes to charges at Lords Meadow Leisure Centre has been sent to Mel Stride, MP for Central Devon:

I WAS shocked and angered to discover that Mid Devon District Council is intending to almost double the charges for its users on Level 3 Zest cards i.e. those on means tested benefits.

Previously the charge of £2.50 a session meant that activities were accessible and affordable to the poorest members of our community. These are people who are already largely excluded from the main stream by their lack of spending power and the stigma of their disability.

They do not deserve to be further penalised by this raise in fees. Is this what they mean by “we’re all in this together”?

Is it any wonder Ian Duncan Smith resigned? It is precisely this group who would benefit most, not only from regular exercise to raise self-esteem and general fitness levels, but also to counter the social isolation they experience.

It is said the criteria for judging whether a society is “civilised” or not, is the way it treats its most vulnerable citizens i.e. the elderly and physically or mentally disabled.

Shame on you MDDC. I strongly urge you to reconsider your proposed new, devisive, pricing policy.

Ron Cuthbertson

Clifford Gardens

Crediton