Long Eaton Councillor condemns cuts planned by own party

A County Councillor representing Long Eaton South has publicly condemned planned cuts to adult education services by the party she is a member and representative of.

Reform UK Councillor Jodie Brown, represents the southern part of the town for the County Council and is also the Vice Chair of the authority.  

Plans from Derbyshire County Council will see two of its 15 adult education centres close by the end of July and the future of five centres at risk, while eight will be unaffected, the Local Democracy Reporting Service has confirmed.

The LDRS said that the authority, now run by Reform UK, appears to have informed the affected centres and groups who operate from them about the planned closures.

The authority says that “some” centres were “not used to their full potential” and proposed cuts related to a reduction in adult skills funding and a push for “efficiency”.

There are 15 adult community education centres across the county including in Cotmanhay and Long Eaton, the latter being one of five centres said to be at risk.

Taking to social media, Councillor Brown said that she had gone public to ensure that residents were aware of what she described as a "deeply concerning development".

She said: "Under the previous administration, Derbyshire County Council has appeared hell-bent on selling off as many properties and public assets as possible - and sadly, Long Eaton is not being spared.

"It has come to my attention that our Adult Education Centres may be on the list for potential disposal. This building is not just bricks and mortar. It is an essential hub for our community.  It delivers vital adult learning services, offering opportunties for personal growth, skills development and support.

"But even more concernming, this building is home to Long Eaton's only well-established youth club, built from the ground up by Carly and Owen Ferron. These two local heroes have poured their heart and soul into supporting young people in our town. Through their work, they have given young people a safe, welcoming place to go, positive activities to take part in and critical mental health and emotional support that some would otherwise never receive.

"Losing this space would be a devastating blow to young people in Long Eaton."

The councillor sought to make her view and determination clear in concluding her statement which she appealed to followers to share. She added: "If Derbyshire County Council plans to sell off this centre and, in doing so, shut the doors on our youth, I will fight it every step of the way.

"I cannot make promises I can't keep, but I can promise this. I will not support the sale of any building that provides essential services to the people of Long Eaton.

"Our community deserves better than being quietly sold off, bit by bit."