STUDENTS at Llandeilo Community Education Centre say they have been “staggered” to learn the facility could close next month.

Local county councillor Edward Thomas claims that a redistribution of admin staff has made the running of the centre in Rhosmaen Street “untenable”.

“I am worried that this is a possible back door attempt to close the centre,” he said. “This is a very busy centre and has over 25 classes each week catering for an average 10 adults per session, some classes more popular than others.

“This facility caters for adult learners in the north of the county with people from Llandovery and Talley coming to it. In addition to being a valuable education centre, it is a social and cultural resource providing a cross section of learners with training in a variety of subjects from Welsh, computer skills, art and health and fitness.”

In an e-mail to Cllr Thomas, seen by the Guardian, a student wrote: “At the class this morning we were staggered to be told that the centre is to close entirely next month.

“I wondered if you have any information on the thinking behind the sudden closure, other than it might save money?”

Gareth Morgans, head of education services, said: “The education department is discussing the future of Community Education Centres following plans to remodel how Adult and Community Learning is being delivered. Officers are in the process of consulting with communities in respect of identifying the best possible option for each community education centre.”