SINCE we revealed the impending closure of the One Support service by Essex County Council, we have been contacted by many of those who will be affected by its loss.

Understandably, many are terrified at the prospect.

The council has been very clear that difficult decisions have to be made to balance the books amid rapidly falling grants from central government.

But if there was any consultation over this move, then it certainly wasn’t crystal clear.

And now it has been announced, the refusal of County Hall to put someone forward to explain the reasoning behind the changes is shameful.

Simply stating safeguarding vulnerable people is a priority and leaving a number to have a review is hardly reassuring for someone whose only visitor is their carer.

It may be that there are alternatives out there which will be able to fill the void left by the loss of One Support.

But readers, and more importantly those affected, won’t know unless someone in authority speaks up.