A UNIVERSITY is pulling out of adult education in a Teesside town.

The Adult Education Centre in Harrow Road, Middlesbrough, run by the University of Leeds, is to be closed in a cost-cutting drive.

The decision comes only ten months after the University of Leeds invested heavily in new computers for the centre.

Students at the college have expressed their shock at the decision and anger that they were not consulted about the decision.

Student Gordon Hodgeon, a former teacher and local government officer, said: "I am very disappointed with the decision, that it seems to me very short term after no consultation in the immediate area that I am aware of.

"Adult education is an increasingly important factor in everyone's lives and in Middlesbrough to close this after a substantial history of achievement seems a huge shame and something the University of Leeds should reconsider in connection with other interested parties within the Tees Valley and other students. What they should not do is make a decision and then say they will consult about the possible alternatives. That seems short-sighted and cowardly."

Dr Malcolm Chase, a member of the senior management group for Leed's School of Continuing Education, was at the centre yesterday and will return there again later this month to talk to staff about the implications of the closure.

The decision to close Harrow Road is being blamed on new Government policy which meant £160,000 was lost this year and would be lost every year.

There has also been a drop in student recruitment and the loss of key staff from the centre.

In a letter to students explaining the decision, Dr Chase said: "The cumulative effect of all of this has therefore forced us to find ways of saving money, and the decision to close Harrow Road is only one of a number of measures which we are taking.''

Harrow Road will close in April next year and from then classes will be based at alternative venues.