THE article in the Broadcast Is Clarence House under threat? is incorrect. I am involved in managing a large regional college and across the country there has been a large drop in learners attending adult education classes. The reason – the government

THE article in the Broadcast "Is Clarence House under threat?" is incorrect.

I am involved in managing a large regional college and across the country there has been a large drop in learners attending adult education classes.

The reason - the government withdrew funding from adult education classes last September, leaving adult learners to pay the full cost of the course. This means that many people can no longer afford to attend.

It also begs the question are the right type of courses being offered? Now is the time to look at whether local adult education classes meet the needs of residents.

Perhaps the LibDems should turn their attention to thinking about the latter point instead of using the drop in numbers to attempt to score political points, particularly with an election looming.

Adult and community learning is an important part of the quality of life for all ages and every effort should be made to offer as wide a spectrum of courses as possible, but better promotion isn't the key, funding and offering courses which meet a need are.

Julia L Hirons

Knights Way

Great Dunmow