THE future of community learning for adults was discussed at a well attended public meeting in Fishguard on Monday, June 22.

It was one of six meetings being held across Pembrokeshire as part of the adult and community learning service consultation.

Following a reduction in grants from the Welsh Government, Pembrokeshire County Council is making changes to the way adult education is delivered. It plans to meet these cutbacks by reducing overheads and management costs and considering the future use of community learning centres. But before any decisions are made the council would like to hear the public’s views.

A presentation was given by the council’s Lifelong Learning Co-ordinator, Chris Birch. He explained the difficult financial situation of the authority and asked the public what they think the priorities should be for the future of adult and community learning? How can they reduce costs and how could they generate more income?

Among those in attendance were Fishguard county councillors Pat Davies and Myles Pepper.

Cllr Davies said: “There was a large group of users and tutors at the meeting in Fishguard.

“A lengthy discussion took place and a steering group has been set up with the purpose of looking further into the financial costings of Fishguard Community Learning Centre.

“I am following the process of these consultations closely as it was the scrutiny committee of which I am chairman that dealt with the "call in" meeting following the cabinet decisions around adult learning.”

Cllr Pepper said: “The meeting went well with consensus very much moving towards ‘the positive'.

“Many tutors and class attendees spoke most constructively and with great passion, and there was an openness from the council officers that was ultimately very well received.

“In my view the meeting will be proven to have been a positive turning point and the community owes much to the valiant group who are so committed to maintaining the centre. I would encourage all in the community, especially those who have not used the centre before, to give every consideration to taking up one or more of the courses. The standard of tutoring is top class and society as a whole is becoming more and more aware of the importance to health of the wide range of stimulation the facility offers.

He added: “I shall continue to fight for the retention of the centre. The Community Learning Centre is exactly what it says it is - it is for the community, your community.”