MONMOUTH MP David Davies and AM Nick Ramsay have both spoken of their disappointment and dismay at the recent announcement that The Hill Education and Conference Centre, Abergavenny is to close due to lack of funding.

As part of its sustainability Action Plan the college has announced the closure of the Hill campus from 31st August 2009. 

According to college sources this is the direct result of a massive 7.43 percent cut in funding by the Welsh Assembly Government across the whole of the further education sector.

The college has over the past ten years spent more than £1 million turning the Hill into a state of the art education and conference centre with fifty bedrooms and a licence to perform wedding ceremonies.

 David said, "I was very disappointed to hear the news that the Hill College has been recommended for closure.  The building is a wonderful mansion with beautiful original features.  The Hill is the home of the Welsh Regional Language Centre which has been hugely successful, it would be a great pity to move it to Newport.

"I know the courses are good because I have personally attended classes there.

 "I am well aware of the budget cuts instigated by the Welsh Assembly Government which are reason that Coleg Gwent has been forced to take such drastic action.  It seems perverse to me that at this time when so many people are losing their jobs and there is a corresponding need for more training facilities the Welsh Assembly Government should cut the further education budget.

"I have been contacted by many constituents and I understand there is a group of users being set up to fight the proposals.  Whilst I understand the pressure Coleg Gwent is under I do hope a way can be found to keep the college open."

Expressing his dismay Nick adds, "Imposing such drastic cuts seems madness to me when the results are job losses and closure of valuable centres of learning. The Labour/Plaid government should be considering the long term damage to Wales and the economy that these cuts will cause.

"In a recession we should be promoting further education and lifelong learning to develop a skilled workforce. We should be encouraging people to reach their full potential so we are ready when the recession ends."

Both David and Nick have written to the Minister for education, children and young people, Jane Hutt AM asking for an explanation and to request the Welsh Assembly Government reconsiders the funding cuts in the Assembly's further education budget.