COUNCILLORS are divided over the future funding of an adult learning initiative in Teesdale.

During a heated debate at a meeting of Teesdale District Council, members were split over whether they should continue to partly fund the Teesdale Learning Partnership.

The initiative has helped hundreds of adults return to education and improve their numeracy and literacy skills.

Launched in November last year, the scheme has seen clients of all ages taking basic courses in mathematics, English and word processing skills.

But the issue of funding for the partnership caused controversy.

Councillors were asked to vote on whether the council should provide more than £3,000 for the rest of this year, and £9,000 for next year, to pay for administrative support and legal advice.

Members were also asked to vote for a council representative to be part of the Teesdale Learning Partnership.

Councillor John Armstrong, who launched the initiative last year, said: "This is a must for Teesdale. It is a real step forward, and I know it is costing us a little bit, but it is money well spent because we are making adult learning available to the people of Teesdale."

Councillor John Watson said: "If we commit ourselves to part-fund this scheme it will become increasingly difficult to back out, and we will be tied to something when there could be other causes that may need our financial help."

The scheme is also funded by Bishop Auckland College, Wear Valley District Council and the European Social Fund.

Members voted 17 to three in favour of granting more than £12,000 during this year and next year, and appointed Councillor David Armstrong as their representative.