Learning Shops set for closure

A number of adult education centres teaching computer skills across Cornwall are to close.

The five "Learning Shops" run by Cornwall College of Further Education have been open for nearly a decade.

The college said the outlets were closing because it could no longer afford "to deliver training in this particular way".

The Learning Shops are due to close in July, despite more than 1,000 people signing a petition to keep them open.

'Valued service'

John Latham, Cornwall College Principal, said: "This has been a painful decision for all concerned and we honestly believe that we have exhausted all possibilities to find a way to return the shops to viability."

North Cornwall's MP Dan Rogerson, who is among those fighting the closures, said the service was used and valued in the area.

"I believe that there was a bigger potential market for the courses offered and that the shops could have been saved," he said.

The Learning Shops earmarked for closure are in Bodmin, Bude, Camborne, Helston and St Austell.