Erewash MP describes Reform's adult education closures as a "disgrace"

Erewash MP Adam Thompson has condemned Reform-run Derbyshire County Council’s choice to close several adult education centres across Derbyshire, including Community House in Long Eaton.

This final axe has fallen, after several months of opposition from Long Eaton residents, including staff and students at the education centre. 

When it was announced that Reform were threatening the centre, Adam met with students and staff, a visit that county council officers attempted to block. The planned closure has attracted criticism from across party lines, with Reform county councillor for Long Eaton South, Jodie Brown, previously stating “I will oppose any plans to close it.”

Adam found it particularly shocking to read Derbyshire Reform’s lead on education, who is also the county councillor representing Community House, describe it as a decision he had personally made. It was also deeply alarming to read him claim that Derbyshire have “no obligation” to have centre staff continue in their jobs. 

The Erewash MP said: “Community House is a huge loss for the people of Long Eaton. I think it is particularly disgraceful that the choice to close the centre was made just before the start of term – showing complete disrespect for the centre’s students and hard-working, long-serving staff. My concern now is Reform’s hints of even deeper cuts next year, so we’ll all have to keep our eyes on the adult education centre in Cotmanhay now too. Residents can rest assured, however, that I will fight tooth and nail to save it, if they do indeed come for it.”