Learning service to close two Shropshire centres

An adult learning service which helps Shropshire people into employment is to close two centres after funding was axed.

Bosses at Learndirect have decided not to renew their contract with Walford and North Shropshire College, leading to the closure of centres in Wem and Oswestry.

Spokesman Adrian Beddow said: "Our contract decisions are based on a number of things like how many learners, in particular the unemployed, do learning and how successful those learners are in completing their courses and gaining qualifications.

"This year Walford and North Shropshire College has not met our minimum requirements and we have therefore decided not to offer a contract for 2012/13."

The scheme was saved from closure last year after college bosses secured last minute funding for a further 12 months, including grants from Shropshire Council.