Learning centres could still be installed in seven schools

Elwa, the body responsible for post-16 education in Wales, said last month it could no longer afford �3m towards the cost of the new �5m units.

But Peter Higson, Elwa's interim chief executive, said he was hopeful that a solution could be found and the project would still go ahead.

The community learning centres would be introduced in secondary schools to help adults access further education and IT.

Mr Higson, who will meet Ian Miller, chief executive of Denbighshire County Council on Monday, said: "In our discussions we will consider the possibility of reprofiling or rescheduling the project and also the use of alternative funding streams."

Where the centres were planned Rhyl Prestatyn St Asaph Denbigh Ruthin Llangollen Corwen

Last month Elwa said the money had always been subject to approval and at no time did it give a contractual commitment to funding the project.

Denbighshire secured the additional �2m required for the scheme from European Objective One funding.

Plaid Cymru education spokeswoman Janet Ryder said she was appalled that the scheme's future is uncertain.

"Following the promise of funding from Elwa, Denbighshire County Council had put a great deal of work into projects which would have greatly improved accessibility to learning in many communities in the county," she said.

"Denbighshire should not lose out as a result of Elwa's poor financial management."

The project will be considered further by Elwa's national council on 26 February.