Delight as campaigners win future for learning centre

Apr 14 2008 by Moira Sharkey, South Wales Echo

THE future of a city learning centre, once threatened with closure, has been safeguarded.

Hundreds of young musicians from Cardiff Council and the Vale of Glamorgan’s Music Service (CCVG) and adult learners are celebrating a commitment by Cardiff council to guarantee the long-term future of the Friary Centre.

Wheelchair-bound students who were banned from the centre in February because of fire safety regulations are now set to return after the council has pledged to pay for a new evacuation lift.

Spina bifida sufferer Nigel Partridge, 40, from Cathays, and who was among those affected, said he was delighted at the news.

His mum Elizabeth, who campaigned for improvements to the building, said: “I am overjoyed at this news. Nigel has been so down since he has not been able to go to his classes. It was terrible that this happened. But hopefully now they can get back there soon.”

The lift, which had been used by wheelchair-users to access upper floors in the building, did not comply with new health and safety legislation as it could not be used in an emergency.

Council chiefs have now agreed to pay an undisclosed six-figure sum to install a new lift, with work due to start this summer.

Councillor Bill Kelloway, executive member for education, said: “This significant investment shows our commitment to the long-term future for the adult learners and for the musicians who use the building.”

Chief Schools and Lifelong Learning Officer Chris Jones apologised for the problems.

He said: “We recognise the upset and disruption the cancellation and relocation of many of the classes at the centre caused and we apologise for the distress and inconvenience to everyone affected.”

The pledge to keep the Friary open comes two years after the council proposed closing the building amid speculation about its future.

In February 2006, the council overturned its decision in the wake of public opposition and an Echo campaign to keep the centre open.

Jane Salisbury, one of the co-ordinators of the Save the Friary campaign in 2006, said: “The music service staff, pupils and parents have been rather anxious about the future given the rumours and fears flying around about the Friary building.

“We are delighted at this news. We had feared the worst scenario – the dispersal of orchestras and ensembles across the city.

“The plans to update the service lift is timely and absolutely appropriate.

“We must remember that under recent legislation, councils have a duty to ensure equality of physical access to spaces used for education and cultural purposes.”

moira.sharkey@mediawales.co.uk