THURROCK Council's portfolio holder for education has delivered an upbeat message to residents in the wake of criticism of the council's decision to relocate classes at Thurrock Adult Community College.

The council is closing the college campus on Richmond Road and the last classes were held there last week. The site now remains open only for adult learners completing their paper-based examinations.

It is likely the site will be sold off for housing. Proposals are already in place to build on part of the site.

The closure of the community facility, which is used by many local groups as base for their activities – as well as a centre of learning – has been highly controversial and widely opposed.

In May ward councillor Jane Pothecary spoke to Nub News about her concerns over the loss of the college.

However, education portfolio holder Cllr Barry Johnson says the relocation from Richmond Road to venues and community hubs across Thurrock offers new education opportunities for residents.

The college will move its main premises to a dedicated adult learning area within South Essex College, Grays, later this month, with lessons moving to be delivered at locations in the heart of communities across Thurrock including Aveley Community Hub and the Beehive from September with venues in Tilbury, Stanford-le-Hope and other locations across the borough.

Cllr Johnson said "This is an exciting change for our adult community college, as we begin the move towards providing services across Thurrock and in venues that can offer modern classrooms, and new technology and equipment.

"As part of the transformation of Grays and move towards providing better services in fewer buildings, these changes will ensure that all of our communities have better access to opportunities for upskilling, retraining and learning new skills closer to where they live.

"Looking ahead, we are now enrolling residents on new courses beginning in September. The best way to view available courses for each venue and book your place is from the Find A Course page on the college website which includes a breakdown of what each course covers and the skills you can learn. You can also make an enquiry and enrol over the phone by calling 01375 372476.

"Whether it's a qualification award course for your career such as Bookkeeping, Childcare or Counselling, or free English, Maths, Digital Skills courses, our college has something for everyone, with many courses being free to adults in Thurrock."