The ‘flawed’ consultation and future of the Merton Adult Education site will not be scrutinised to the anger of campaigners.

A heated meeting at Merton Council’s chambers saw up to 30 people pack into the public gallery to see the Overview and Scrutiny panel decide not to further scrutinise the council’s decision to commission out Merton Adult Education (MAE) as it strives to save £32m in the next four years.

Opposition councillors to the Labour run administration called in the decision to be discussed at the meeting on Tuesday.

Councillor James Holmes, Conservative education spokesman, said he was disappointed with the result.

Coun Holmes said: "The whole point of the call in was I don’t think the consultation was effective and results weren’t followed.

"Over-whelmingly people wanted the college retained.

"The future of the premises seems to be moving to a Harris Academy and I don’t think it is large enough for a secondary school."

Labour cabinet member for education councillor Martin Whelton said it was the right decision to make.

Coun Whelton said: "It is giving us flexibility in terms of services and allows adult education to continue to be provided for.

"We did listen to the consultation."

Among the speakers was Posey Furnish, chairman of governors at Joseph Hood Primary School, who said after the meeting: "The whole consultation process makes a mockery of democracy.

"We have a group of people saying please listen to us but the council does what it wants to do."

Any changes to the MAE site in Whatley Avenue, Raynes Park will have an impact on the school which neighbours the college.