The Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy – Janet Finch-Saunders MS – has spoken of her disappointment at a decision that has been taken by Warwickshire County Council to permanently close Marle Hall Centre for Outdoor Learning, the residential education venue located just outside Llandudno Junction.
The permanent closure is planned for Friday 22 October 2021. According to documentation received from the English local authority, all future bookings at the facility have also been cancelled due to a “shortage of staff at the venue.”
Commenting on the announcement, Janet said:
“Having visited Marle Hall on several occasions, as well as making trips to our other residential outdoor activity centres across the region, I have always been so overwhelmed by the positive impression that the perfect package of our unique location and a devoted team of highly qualified staff leaves on the young people visiting our area.
“The contribution that residential outdoor education plays in the lives and development of our children cannot be understated. In an age when so many young people live an indoor life based around social media, it remains essential that we provide opportunities to test themselves in the outdoors.
“Venues like Marle Hall allow our young people to develop much sought-after skills in teamwork and leadership, taking part in risk-assessed but not risk-free activities which build and strengthen character. To take the decision to close these highly valued centres is a very short-sighted step by any local authority in England.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
- Please find a copy of the Council’s letter to Janet attached.
Photo: Janet Finch-Saunders MS/AS
