EDUCATIONALISTS are looking at ways of bringing learning closer to the homes of people in Bolton in a bid to get them learning.

New places are being sought where adults can take lessons in the areas they live without going to traditional colleges.

Community learning centres have already sprung up in places such as a disused house and a converted shop on a Breightmet council estate.

Now all those providing post-16 education want to build on this by finding the best ways of encouraging more adults to carry on learning.

The Bolton and Bury Chamber recently held a meeting between education providers and community and voluntary groups in bid to find innovative ways to boost access to learning.

Widening Participation project co-ordinator, Trudi Nichols, explained: "There are sections of our community which education seems to be passing by.

"There are many reasons, but this scheme breaks down those barriers. It takes learning to where they live and is tailored to meet their specific needs and interests."

New BIHE Principal, Mollie Temple, said the project should act as a stepping stone to mainstream education.

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