A HANWELL man has spoken of his anger at a decision to close down a workshop run by people with disabilities.

Carlyon Print is a printing and hand-finishing factory in Alperton and is funded by Brent Council.

Last week the council's executive committee voted to close it down, making 23 employees coping with mental health problems, learning and physical disabilities, redundant.

David Robinson, 28, of Westcott Crescent, Hanwell, has worked at the factory since 2003.

Coping with muscular and co-ordination problems, David's job as a designer has given him a sense of purpose and kept him financially independent from his parents.

His father, Robert, 66, is worried that without his part-time job the former Drayton Manor High School pupil will struggle to keep motivated.

He said: "He is quite down about it, they all are.

"None of them want to be back on the dole, they would rather be working and supporting themselves."

He added: "It took David nine years to get a job and this was the first job he got since leaving school.

"He is extremely clever on the computer and he built the Carlyon Print website.

"The problem is that a lot of people working there have mental health problems and other disabilities.

"They are in print finishing work and there is not a lot of demand for that anymore."

Relatives of the staff have campaigned to try and keep it open but were told the business, which costs £395,000 a year to run, would gradually be closed down over the next five months.

Mixed feelings towards the decision lead to many Brent councillors urging the matter go to a select committee, which means a second group will scrutinise the report but ultimately cannot go against the executive's ruling.

Robert, who also cares for his sick wife, said: "Nothing has been done since the decision was announced, no one seems to have a clue what is going to happen."

One of the factory's neighbouring buildings was ravaged by fire two years ago and Robert says the council have let the area get run down so they can sell the land.

The select committee will discuss Carlyon Print on March 27.