A group of town councillors thought they were being sent a banner to hang up to promote an upcoming adult learning panel ... but the county council had other ideas.

Cambs Times: Independent learning advisory panel meeting in Chatteris. Left:Town councillors Bill Haggata, Christine and Chris Howes. Picture: Steve Williams.Independent learning advisory panel meeting in Chatteris. Left:Town councillors Bill Haggata, Christine and Chris Howes. Picture: Steve Williams. (Image: Archant)

To their bewilderment, they received 35 laminated A4 pieces of paper, each with one word on it, to hang up on the railings in Chatteris town centre.

The adult learning panel takes place at the Vermuyden Room in Chatteris Library from 7-8.30pm on Thursday.

Councillors Chris Howes, Christine Colbert and Bill Haggata say they were stunned when they opened the “ridiculous” envelope from Cambridgeshire County Council.

Cllr Colbert said: “I couldn’t believe it when I opened the envelope. Fool that I am, I thought they would send something sensible.

“I don’t know what we’re going to do with them. We could perhaps hang some of them up.”

Cllr Haggata added: “Think about how much it would have cost to laminate, print out and post the sheets. Someone’s taken the time to do it. It’s unbelievable.”

The panel, the first of its kind in Fenland, will give people a chance to share their views on how adult learning is delivered.

Discussion points will include transport difficulties, how adult learning can support a move into employment and volunteering.

Cllr Colbert said: “We have been trying to get adult learning in Chatteris for ages. There are 12,000 people in this town, never mind the surrounding area.

“There have been a couple of aborted attempts but it looks like we’ll actually get proper classes, which is wonderful, but this has not been an inspiring start.”

Another Chatteris resident, Viv Marsden, said there was a real need for adult learning in Chatteris, particularly among people who can’t get to Ely, Wisbech or March.

“There are a lot of people here who need it. It’s a really important issue,” she said.

Cambridgeshire County Councillor Sandra Rylance said: “I’d encourage those people that care about adult learning to attend this meeting and have their say.

“It can only be good for the town and for the community. Adult learning is an important way that people can improve their skills and their career chances.”