Adult students have been left bemused and saddened after university bosses decided to axe popular courses with immediate effect.

Canterbury Christ Church will no longer run its community adult education programme following “careful consideration” and a review of its efficiency.

The drastic decision was announced to students via an email signed off by the university’s head of partnerships, Kerry Jordan-Daus.

Mainly focussing on arts and culture, the long-running adult courses were much-enjoyed by Andrew Rootes - who fears there are now no alternatives in the city.

He said: “The email arrived at a time when many of us were looking forward to enrolling in another course in the next academic year. The courses were not cheap but we gladly paid the fees to enjoy stimulating tutorials.

“Over the years we have made a number of friends in the different groups we have attended, and many of us were repeat participants. There is no obvious alternative programme of courses in the Canterbury area and this sudden cancellation is likely to upset any number of people who were hoping to continue their academic interests.”

In her letter, Mrs Jordan-Daus says the programme was axed because of dwindling numbers.

“The decision was taken following a recent review of the offer, as well as overall student numbers,” she said.

“The programme has had a very positive impact on the local community over a long period, through its significant contribution to arts and culture.

“I do hope that you [adult students] will continue to enjoy some of the other activities we offer such as workshops, lectures and learning events at the Sidney Cooper Gallery.”

Mr Rootes, who had attended the adult art courses for a number of years, said: “The university says it will remain ‘a strong and passionate supporter of opportunities to access community adult education’, but cancelling its entire community adult education programme seems a funny way of demonstrating that.”