High-tech centre hit by cuts - and new tech

The pioneering centre, which opened a decade ago

A FLAGSHIP centre which helped schools to make the most of new technology has closed.

Oldham’s £1.6 million City Learning Centre (CLC) was pioneering when it opened in Hollinwood Avenue, Chadderton, a decade ago.

But it has been hit by budget cuts, better equipment in schools and the growing use of mobile technology such as tablets and smartphones.

Unison confirmed that of four members of staff, one had taken voluntary redundancy, two were redeployed and one took a job elsewhere.

It is not yet known what will happen to the building.

Julie Finegan, Oldham branch secretary of the union, said: “They knew this was coming.

“The CLC had not been able to generate income for some time because a lot of schools and academies are doing this work themselves.

“The building was costing too much money and they did try to look at relocating the service within a school.

“It’s unfortunate but this is what’s going to be happening in the future. There are a lot of services the council isn’t going to be able to provide any more.”