End of an era as courses stop running at Lancaster's Adult College

It is believed tutors at the college, based at White Cross Education Centre, were told that most courses would finish at the end of October.

The Guardian has reported on several occasions since May 2015 that sources had said the college was to close, but Lancashire County Council, who previously operated it, denied the rumours.

People on Facebook this week expressed their dismay at the decision.

Andy Hornby said: “This is so awful...We have lost one of the most important improvers of quality of life.”

Julia Swarbrick said: “Terrible how adult education has been chipped at over the last twenty years or so.”

Lancashire Adult Learning (LAL), which runs the Adult College service, was a part of Lancashire County Council until July, when it joined forces with Nelson and Colne College, operating independently of the council.

A LAL spokesman said: “LAL offers a wide range of learning opportunities to adults across Lancashire, to include over 50 courses in Lancaster.

“From December 2016, courses will no longer be delivered at White Cross Education Centre, part of Lancashire County Council, due to building refurbishment and development plans. Any courses that have already started and are running this term will complete as planned.

“Any equipment and resources belonging to LAL at White Cross Education Centre will be transferred to new venues or donated to local community partners, where appropriate.

“Lancashire Adult Learning has exciting plans to expand its provision in Lancaster and is working with a number of partners and venues across Lancaster to develop this.”

New courses will be delivered in a range of Lancaster venues to include the University of Cumbria, The Storey Institute, Halton Mill, Lancaster Library and The Cornerstone.”

Current courses such as pottery, stone carving and life drawing will continue to operate from the Adult College until they end next month.

Following a refurbishment, the White Cross Education Centre will become a new “Neighbourhood Centre” for many city services including Lancaster Register Office and the Lancaster Youth Offending Team.