A SERVICE which has provided community support and training in Kington is set to close next month.

The Marches Access Point (MAP), based at the Old Police Station, announced this week that it would close on June 26, citing rising costs and increased loss of funding as the main reasons.

The community group said that although ‘major changes’ are happening in Kington with the formation of the new library and wellbeing centre, and the transfer of many assets to the town council, MAP has been unable to find the funding necessary to secure its immediate future.

CEO, Emma Phillips, claimed central Government funding for adult learning has been cut by 35% since 2009.

She said MAP has made a huge difference to the people of Kington over the past eight years, having run a range of courses from photography to English; from family history to food hygiene, while also creating leaflets and web services for community groups. “We have also been able to help many people get online with IT advice and support. We’ve been a voice for Kington and a friendly place where people can come to seek advice,” she said.

“We have secured support in the past for adult learning but the contracts are being squeezed with little or no allowance for inflation.

“We believe we are not alone in Herefordshire as other providers are facing funding shortfalls, so MAP may not be the only training service to close its doors unless this problem is addressed.”

She added that MAP could not have operated without its team of dedicated volunteers.

“We would very much like to thank them,” she said.

“They can be extremely proud of their achievements.

“We must also thank the many donors who have supported us in the past.”