I started a campaign to save the Langford Senior Citizens and Retired Person Club after proposals were circulated by the local council to charge the group lease payments for their council premises.

This was a surprising move as many local councils in the area do not charge these payments, out of respect for seniors and in acknowledgement of the value these clubs bring to the community.

After meeting with club representatives it became clear that the club could not afford to pay charges that would total more than $1500 in the first year alone. The club membership fee is kept down to $7 a year so that all local seniors - many of whom live off the basic pension - can be involved.

Had these changes been introduced, the club would have likely had to disband.  This would have been a terrible result for the community, which needs clubs like this where seniors can meet regularly, take part in shared activities and remain active in the community.

The campaign received great support in the community; with over 380 Langford residents signing a survey from my office to oppose this proposal.

The community clearly value the club as an important part of local life and do not want to see it disappear.

We presented the results of our campaign to the councillors and I am pleased to say that after a long campaign, the proposal was voted down in the council.

A new process of negotiation with the council then commenced which will safeguard the future of the Langford Senior Citizens Centre and all the good work that they do.

The support of everyone in the community played a role in having this proposal defeated.  I would also like to thank the councillors for listening to the people.