I am writing to express my desperation at the lack of support for people who have a hearing loss, need to attend lip-reading classes and who live in the Croydon area.

As someone who has recently been diagnosed with a hearing loss, I wanted to attend an evening lip-reading class, ideally as close to my home as possible.

I was told that Croydon do not run any evening, lip-reading classes but they do have two daytime classes, which means that anyone working full-time could not access a class.

The two daytime classes are both held at the Smitham Centre, which means that people who live in the north of the borough, like myself, are further disadvantaged as to the venue.

Notwithstanding, I tried to enrol on the Monday, daytime Smitham class but was told it was full with a waiting list.

I have also been told that the same applies to the Wednesday class.

I feel very disappointed and let down. It is difficult enough coping with a disability and mine is mild compared to some people, but, for this issue not to be addressed effectively by Croydon is frustrating and very upsetting, particularly as I have lived in Croydon all my life and have paid an enormous amount of money in council taxation.

I really do not think this is good enough.

Jean Swain Waddington Way Upper Norwood