A petition with more than 1,200 signatures against changes to adult education has been delivered to the council by campaigners today.

It is one of five petitions signed by people worried about the future of Merton Adult Education (MAE) - currently the subject of a council review as it seeks to fill a £32m budget gap.

The student-led Save MAE group logged about 1,230 signatures on the petition which a small group of them hand-delivered to Merton Council’s offices in Morden today.

Save MAE spokeswoman Gay Bennett-Powell said: "We are grateful to MAE students, Merton residents and other supporters who have endorsed our campaign by signing our 38-degrees petition.

"The immense passion shown for the adult education service provided at Whatley Avenue is clearly demonstrated in the many online comments supporting over 1,230 signatures."

Ms Bennett-Powell said people fear the loss of the great community asset which, once gone, will never be replaced.

The council cabinet decision to review the service as part of its budget discussions was called in by Merton Conservatives but a council scrutiny panel voted not to investigate it further on Thursday, December 4.

Ms Bennett-Powell added: "Merton residents are alarmed that such a major change to a council service has been made with no financial analysis, no equalities impact assessment and no assurances for the longer-term future of adult education in the borough."

A public consultation on the plans is open until January 4. To take part, visit the council’s website.