Liberal Democrats on North Yorkshire County Council are concerned about the failure of the Conservative-run council to adequately promote adult learning courses.

The number of adult learners in the county has gone down this year, and Lib Dems fear it is due to over-reliance on the North Yorkshire Times, the council’s publicity paper, to promote courses.

Lib Dem Councillor Keith Barnes (Harrogate Oatlands) demanded answers at yesterday’s meeting of the council.

Councillor Barnes said:

“Tories say that it is the economic climate that is to blame, but an independent sector provider of adult education has told me that business is booming. Clearly it is the council’s marketing that has failed.”

“In an attempt to save money the Tories have relied on the NY Times to advertise courses. Perhaps it is not as widely read as the Tories like to think.”

“I hope that the council will not adopt the easy way out – by stopping courses.”