Threat to disabled with closure fears

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Brent Council Reaches for the Self Destruct Button

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BY ALEX WELLMAN

A BUSINESS which has supported disabled people for more than 20 years is under threat of closure.
Carlyon Print in Carlyon Road, Alperton, has been providing disadvantaged members of the community with work and training since it was set up in 1978.

Top brass at town hall look set to shut it down after complaining that it does not do enough business and is losing too much money.

Staff at the print shop say the council has never given them enough work and they were not even seen as a professional outlet until recently.

General manager, Terry Bean said: “We are not on their list of preferred suppliers, so some of the council departments don’t even know we exist. We definitely have the capabilities to take on at least 50 per cent more work.”

A new business plan has been written up by the team which hopes to convince council chiefs that they can become a success.

Cllr Reg Colwill said: “The. people who come here have the utmost dedication as they know they could stay at home and get benefits but they come here and take pride in earning their own keep.”
Hand finisher Pragna Patel said: “It would be terrible if this place closed and I am very frightened of what will happen if it does.”

A petition has already been started by parents and supporters determined to fight the proposals, and has attracted more than 800 signatures.

Roy Brattesani, of Westward Way, whose son Ludovic has been working at the print shop for 23 years, said: “It means everything to him. The thing that it gives him is social cohesion and it means that he works and socialises with people.”

Brent South Mp, Dawn Butler has been using the company to print her documents for some time and is calling on others to follow her lead and save the company.
She said: “This is a great local business with the majority of people employed there are local people . with disabilities. It is leading’ the way in social responsibility.
“When talking to the staff either through speech or sign language they are all very happy with the training and opportunities that Carlyon Print provides.
“It would be a great shame if such a fantastic example of Brent enterprise is forced to close.”

A council spokesman said: “The council has not yet made a decision on the future of Carlyon Print. The issue will be considered by the executive in March.”

To sign the petition to help save Carlyon

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/carlyon