ADULT learners are being let down by Essex County Council, it is claimed.

The adult community learning budget has been repeatedly cut, along with the range of courses available, and the standard has dropped from “outstanding” to “requires improvement’’.

Now the opposition Lib Dems at County Hall and former adult education providers in Colchester have criticised the council and called for action.

The Lib Dems asked for funding for adult community learning to be protected, but the request was denied.

In 2014/15, the budget was £13.9million or which £10.5million came from national grants, £3.5million from payments for the courses themselves and £297,000 from the county council.

In 2015/16, the budget has been reduced, by £1.8million, to £12.1million, of which £8.7million comes from Government grants, £3.3million from course payments and just £29,000 from the council.

Mike Mackrory, leader of the group, said: “Following a poor Ofsted, resources are being cut.

“If adults want qualifications, higher education, jobs or to learn, then the standard of teaching and learning is critical.

“They could improve, but instead they are likely to get worse.”

Alan Skinner was principal at Greyfriars college, in Colchester, for 22 years until 2005 and said it was a shining example of what adult community learning can offer.

However, the college was shut in 2007 and the building is being converted into a bijou hotel.

Mr Skinner said: “We never saw ourselves as a cost, we always viewed it as an investment.

“We paid our way and this was about an investment in the future, which meant a lot to individuals and the community in general.

“If people feel better about themselves, and are inquisitive about the world, it is better for society.

“People become more resilient, more confident, but instead resources are being cut and it looks like this is where we are at the present.”

The adult community learning service, which taught 20,000 in 2014, operates at a number of sites around the county, including the Wilson Marriage Centre, in Barrack Street, Colchester, Main Road, Dovercourt, St Osyth Road, Clacton, and Spinks Lane, Witham.

It offers apprenticeships in areas including engineering, technology and health and social care and free GCSE maths and English courses for those without a C grade or above qualification.

Ray Gooding, county councillor responsible for lifelong learning, said: “While the overall rating by Ofsted was disappointing, it is important to emphasise Ofsted also recognised a number of strengths in the service.

“The senior management team has already put together a postinspection quality improvement plan.

“We are confident, with successful implementation of the improvement plan, the service in Essex can once again achieve a good rating, or even higher.”