A centre offering courses from computing to curtain-making is being forced to axe some classes after West Herts College announced plans to withdraw staff and equipment.

Rickmansworth's Nine Lives set up a new IT suite last summer after receiving ten computers from the college.

The centre in Wharf Lane, which also sells second hand furniture, has been hosting a range of computing courses, from basic IT to digital photography, run by West Herts tutors.

But from the end of July all IT courses will cease and the computers will be returned to the main college campus in Hempstead Road, Watford.

Floristry, French polishing and curtain making courses will also stop and four sewing machines given to the centre by the college will be recalled.

Nine Lives project manager Tania Metcalfe said: "It has left us high and dry. We've been left in an intolerable situation where we have got to try and get funding for tutors and new computers so that we can hopefully carry on where West Herts College left off.

"We are the only provider of training in Rickmansworth. The whole point is that it is a small family unit here and much less intimidating than a huge college campus. It will be a real loss for people around here."

More than 200 students have joined courses at Nine Lives since it began the partnership with West Herts College in 2004.

A spokesman from West Herts College said: "All colleges have a duty to provide teaching and learning in venues that are appropriate and accessible. Without this, the experience of students can suffer and some groups in the community can be denied access.

"West Herts College has worked successfully with the Nine Lives organisation for several years, using its venue for a small range of community courses. However, this site does has limitations. The number of people who can study there is limited and there are accessibility issues. This affects the overall student experience and potentially prevents the College from reaching people from across the community.

"As a result the college has taken the decision to stop running classes when the current courses end in June. We are actively seeking an alternative venue in the Three Rivers area in readiness for the autumn term and we will keep students informed of progress."