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‘This council puts headlines ahead of the needs of ordinary residents’
Conservatives insist plans for Adult Education Centre are ‘on hold’ amid hail of accusations
THE council has come under fire for announcing a £20million investment programme in the West End while admitting it cannot afford to build a landmark adult education centre.
Labour councillors say that by choosing “headline grabbing” projects above adult education services, the council is guilty of ignoring the needs of ordinary people.
Last week, the council admitted that plans for a £20million adult education centre in Moxon Street, Marylebone, were all but dead in the water because the promised government funding had evaporated with the recession.
Finance bosses have written to the government demanding they honour their agreement to put up £9.2million for the centre. Councillor Ed Argar, cabinet member for Adults and Community Services, said the plans had been “put on hold” but the council was still committed to upgrading the borough’s adult education provision.
Leader of the labour group, councillor Paul Dimoldenberg said: “Once again, the Conservatives are spending money on projects which bring little benefit to local residents.
“Axing the Adult Education Centre will hit local residents hard, particularly those who want to improve their qualifications and basic skills.
“The Conservatives care more about West End roads and fountains than they do about local residents.”
Councillor Argar said: “It’s simply wrong to say we have axed the plans.
“We are reviewing the options and are asking the government to honour their agreement.
“Whatever happens, we are committed to providing improved facilities for Westminster Adult Education Service.” |
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