TORY AXE TO FALL ON OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTRES

9.41.06am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 17th Jul 2007

Conservative controlled Worcestershire County Council looks set to close its outdoor education centre in Llanrug, North Wales and seriously reduce facilities at its West Malvern centre.

The decision, to be taken by the Council Cabinet this Thursday (19th) is likely to favour an option to close Llanrug and demolish the South Block at Malvern, replacing it with Tepees for summer accommodation only.

The decision will come as a great disappointment to the many pupils, parents and teachers, supported by a strong Lib Dem campaign to keep them open.

West Worcestershire's Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate, Richard Burt said,

"This is a real tragedy and will mean that thousands of local children will no longer have the opportunity to visit the centres. They also instill a greater appreciation and understanding for the natural environment.

"Outdoor education helps to build self esteem, confidence and teamwork, much of which will be lost. Many teachers, pupils and parents who know the benefits of outdoor education will be concerned at the direction in which the County Council is now heading.

"The public's only wish was for the centres to keep going and to go on providing the service they value so much.

Now the recommendations seem to guarantee these centres will be either closed or cut and future generations of children will lose out. Surely we should be investing in opportunities for children, not limiting them."