An adult education centre in Launceston, which had been penned for closure, has been saved.

At the start of the year, it was announced that Cornwall Council had set its sights on the closure of a number of adult education centres in the county in an effort to cut costs. The decision sparked large-scale outrage, with many feeling as though those in the east of Cornwall were losing out compared to more westerly locations.

Following the announcement, Cornwall councillor for Launceston South, John Conway, hit out at the council after it was announced that among the named locations was Launceston’s centre.

Cllr Conway said that despite further consultation planned to take place, it seemed as though the “powers that be” in the west of the county were prepared to neglect their north and eastern residents to free up spending in Cornwall’s ‘centre’.

Speaking to the Post, Cllr Conway explained: “The proposal will remove access to Adult Education from the majority of residents in east Cornwall. East Cornwall has some of the most deprived areas of Cornwall and public transport is minimal. There is also minimal provision for adult education from alternative providers.

“It would appear that Truro is prepared to consign the extremities of Cornwall to the waste bin so money can be spent on the centre.”

However, it was announced this week that Launceston’s centre, based at the old National School Centre on St Thomas Road, was not on the final list of centres closing their doors.

Following the announcement, Cllr Conway said: “Great news for Launceston, a successful outcome to my campaign, with thanks to the help from councillors Paynter and Parsons and also our MP Ben Maguire.

“Very sad for the towns who are losing their adult learning centres”

Cornwall councillor for Launceston North and North Petherwin Adam Paynter has also celebrated the news, adding: “Fantastic news that Cornwall Council have done a u-turn and the possibility of closing the Adult Education provision in Launceston has been stopped. Lots of hard work between the Launceston area councillors Cllr John Conway (Launceston South) and Adrian Parsons (Cornwall councillor for Altarnun and Stoke Climsland).”

Cornwall Council has stated that the decision was made as “there is no equivalent accessible offer in and around Launceston or large college presence,” whereas other locations were covered by suitable alternatives.

Despite Launceston’s centre avoiding the cut, six other locations have been earmarked for closure, with Callington’s centre having already closed its doors.

Cllr Adrian Parsons, Cornwall councillor for Altarnun and Stoke Climsland, added: “The decision has finally been made to close Camelford, Torpoint, Saltash, St Austell and Penzance Adult Education Centre's no later than the February 28, 2025, together with previously closed Callington.

“A change from the previous decision is that the centre in Launceston will remain open. Working with Cllr John Conway and Cllr Adam Paynter we have lobbied hard and put together a strong case to ensure this vital service remains in our town!”

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