WE all know that the Adult and Community Learning Departments of Torfaen are struggling with the possibility of severe financial cuts – if not immediately – then in the near future.

As enthusiastic users of the Pontypool Community Education Centre, The Settlement, Tronant Street ,Pontypool, we need everyone in Torfaen, to realise that it exists, and that it is a wonderful, carefully planned, purpose-built centre.

It is well equipped, centrally located in Torfaen.

A venue for learning, preparing for work, health promoting, socialising, club meetings and conferences – all very friendly, professionally administered.

It also has a wonderful servery!

The original Settlement was set up in the early 1930’s, to alleviate the unemployment, poverty, demoralisation, and social decay of the time.

Sound familiar?

We want to convince the financial committees that the Settlement must remain as it is, an undoubted, health and mentally stimulating resource, which must serve the local authority millions of pounds in health and welfare provision.

What will become of the people in the middle and upper reaches of Torfaen if the courses, such as Independent Living Skills, ‘Essential’ educational skills, and of course the vocational, health, special interest groups, and hope were to disappear?

C. M. Richards Pontnewydd Cwmbran