The Reform-run Derbyshire County Council is shutting down adult learning centres in places all over their jurisdiction.
Learning centres such as the Eco Centre in Wirksworth, and centres in Alfreton, Ashbourne, Matlock, Shirebrook, Long Eaton and the Toolbox in Glossop will cease to offer adult education courses at the end of July, Derbyshire County Council said.
Says Alan Squires, who is in the middle of such a class:
It’s very sudden – it’s not the end of the next financial year, it’s next month and we’re out on our ear. There’s a lot of people that rely upon the centre for mental wellbeing. People will be lost. It performs a crucial role in all sorts of aspects and other centres do things like teaching basic English and maths and essential skills for life.