ADULTS are being urged to enrol on a wide range of courses from computing to literacy at the YMCA in Henwick Road, Worcester.

The plea comes with the news that learndirect adult learning courses at community centres and libraries throughout Worcestershire have been cancelled, forcing students to travel into Worcester to complete their studies.

Rachel Coss, learning centre manager at the YMCA, said: "We are the only learndirect providers in Worcester but we have got plenty of places. We've got the full range so come and enrol and gain a qualification - it's flexible and it can help you get back into employment."

University for Industry - the company behind learndirect - had a contract with Worcester College of Technology to run the lessons.

But the contract expired in July and a lot of courses were wound down, leaving learners in the lurch.

Stephanie Vale, of Newland Road, Droitwich, enrolled on a £30 e-citizen course at Droitwich Library in Victoria Square only to be told it was closing weeks after she joined. She was told to complete the course at the Fairfield Centre in Brickfields, Worcester, but that, too, has since closed.

"If you live locally it's fine but if you don't then it's almost impossible," said the 62-year-old music teacher. It's taking away community education."

Carl Flint, vice-principal for curriculum and resources at Worcester College of Technology, was sympathetic to her plight.

He said: "We are upset that what was once available has had to be closed but it is out of our hands."

However, Mr Flint said that all staff have been relocated to the main campus in Deansway so courses can be completed there.

Courses are also provided at learndirect centres in Kidderminster, Bromsgrove and Redditch.

A Ufi spokeswoman said: "We are working to open seven further centres over the next month - there will be more centres in Worcester than before."

Ufi said all learners had been informed about the changes - something that Mrs Vale denies.

For more details about courses at the YMCA, call 01905 741008.