Mayor sees factory's plight (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Mayor sees factory's plight

PRESSURE on Wiltshire county council to resolve the funding crisis threatening a factory for disabled people increased last Thursday, when the mayor of Salisbury visited the premises.

The visit gave mayor and mayoress Patrick and Mary Paisey the chance to see what was needed to keep Shelwork Industries open.

Two weeks ago, the Journal reported that Salisbury MP Robert Key had visited the factory in order to highlight that the £185,000 yearly grant to Shelwork from Wilthsire county council had yet to be renewed. The factory, which is on the Dolphin industrial estate, off Southampton Road, employs more than 50 people and is run by Action for Blind People.

The visitors discussed the factory's plight with Jane Crowther, Action for Blind People employment and development co-ordinator, and Shelwork's general manager, Chris Aubrey and were then given a tour of the factory floor ,where they met some of the workers.

Rachel Webb, (38), a bench operator, said: "I have worked here for 11 years and was referred here by the disability education allowance. If Wiltshire county council closed this place down, I don't know what I would do.

"I couldn't find any other work."

A statement from AFBP said: "The employment of visually impaired and disabled people is partly funded by Wiltshire county council, with significant additional funding from the charity's own resources.

"AFBP has been negotiating with the county council to increase the grant to enable the factory to remain open.

"Very disappointingly, the country council has indicated to us that it will not be increasing its funding for the factory.

"The county council has stated it will be retendering the contract held by AFBP and has indicated it wishes to use its grant to provide a different service."

The statement added that closure would mean 53 potential job losses and, since many of the workers have multiple disabilities, their chances of finding work again are difficult.

A spokesman for Wiltshire county council said: "We will continue our commitment to Shelwork and will still give £185,000 to the factory.

"If Action for Blind People cannot find the money to keep Shelwork open, then the money will be spent on an equivalent project.

"The current contract has expired and we have asked to tender again.

"We anticipate that Shelwork will continue to operate."