Whittlesey Emergency Food Aid

One of the things that has been bought to my attention during this campaign is the future of Whittlesey Emergency Food Aid, which is a great organisation that does a huge amount to support some of the more vulnerable members of our community.

It would be great to be able to say we don't need organisations like this, but the reality is that people sometimes fall into hard times and need support.

They are currently located at the Manor in the building that is likely to be demolished as part of the redevelopment. I am told they approached Fenland District Council asking for some assurances that they had a future at the Manor Leisure Centre and received a response that suggested that no such assurance can be made.

I think this is a poor response and I know that other organisations have been looking to see if they can find ways of accommodating them on site but I think Fenland should try a bit harder, not least because I am pretty confident that the work of WEFA saves them money. Think about it - if you are in a position where you need to be reaching out for support with food, you are almost certainly also struggling to pay rent - and it is Fenland that ends up having to support families when they are made homeless.

This one of many issues I will be campaigning on if I am elected but I would also plead with you to raise the issue if and when the consultation on the future of the Manor Leisure Centre takes place.