I rise with great sadness to trouble the House with a simple problem that should have been dealt with many years ago. However, social services and the borough council in Essex have refused to respond to elderly residents, so this wonderful community of people is at risk. They do not ask for much; they just want common sense and decency. I congratulate and thank each of the petitioners personally and I am doing all that I can to support them.

The petition states:

The Petition of Maureen Faith, residents of sheltered accommodation at Kitkatts Road, Canvey Island, and others,

Declares that elderly residents in sheltered accommodation at Kitkatts Road, Canvey Island are in significant danger and unable to easily get around communal areas of their home due to the lack of ramps, trip hazards and other minor changes to assist their mobility around their home and make it easier and safer; notes that Josie Cooper at the home is wheelchair bound and has not been out of her home for two years due to access issues with the structure of her home and particularly the lack of a ramp at her back door and the inability of her wheelchair to pass through her door frame, which leaves her isolated and unable to enjoy her garden or join in any of the community activities, denying her choice and quality of life although she remains extremely positive and caring towards others.

The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to encourage the local Council and wheelchair service providers to resolve the problems for Josie and for all residents by immediately implementing a programme of access and safety improvements for all these excellent local residents.

And the Petitioners remain, etc.

[P000362]