Cornwall councillors are pushing back against plans to close adult education centres, citing their importance for local communities and skills development.
Cornwall: A committee in Cornwall is shaking things up. They just voted against closing seven adult education centres. This decision has stirred quite a bit of controversy.
People are calling the closure plan “vindictive” and “short-sighted.” It’s clear that many folks are upset about losing these vital hubs. The centres in Camelford, Callington, and others are on the chopping block.
Last month, the Adult Education Board backed the closures after consulting staff and local councils. But now, the public is weighing in during a consultation period.
While some centres will stay open, like those in Bude and Truro, many worry about the future of adult education in the area. The council says they’ll find new ways to offer courses, but it’s not the same.
During a recent meeting, Conservative councillor Peter Perry pushed to reconsider the closures. He argued they’re crucial for the local workforce. There was some back and forth, but the committee ultimately decided to recommend against the closures.
Committee chair Tim Dwelly was firm about including this in the recommendations. He acknowledged some members were hesitant but felt it was important to voice their opinion.
In the end, the vote passed with a solid majority. It seems like the fight to keep these centres open isn’t over yet, and the community is rallying behind them.
