21/07/05 - Cuts To College Courses

Cuts To College Classes

Swindon's education boss has hit out at a switch in funding from adult learning to teenagers.

Conservative Councillor Garry Perkins, Swindon Council's lead member for education, comments come after New College announced it had been hit by government funding cuts for adult education of 33 per cent.

This is on the back of the problems Swindon College is also facing due to cuts, which will see three centres where Swindon residents are taught to use computers from September.

Coun Perkins said: "I feel sad that people of my age and older are being denied access to engage in the 21st century.

"I'm almost computer illiterate myself, because for my generation computers were a novelty.

"I don't blame the colleges for this ­ it's down to government directives.

"They have a history of moving money around rather than directing it where it's most needed."

Cllr Justin Tomlinson, North Swindon Conservative Parliamentary Spokesman, "It is vital we equip local residents with the skills required in a chanding and developing econonmy.  The Labour MP is very passionate about bringing students into Swindon in a new University, well lets not forget the local residents who are already here."