BlindCraft to survive after closure threat

BLINDCRAFT is to be saved from closure, just 24 hours after campaigners issued a last-ditch appeal to councillors to keep the Edinburgh factory open.

The Lib Dems and SNP were set to put forward a motion at today's full council meeting recommending that the factory, which provides vital employment to blind and disabled people, remains open on a three-day working week.

The Evening News yesterday reported how just 24 hours remained to save BlindCraft from closure ahead of today's crucial vote.

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This newspaper called for a council U-turn, urging readers to lobby members against making what many have seen as a "cut too far".

Council chiefs previously said they could no longer afford to subsidise the Craigmillar factory. But the union representing the majority of the workforce, Community, urged a move to a three-day week, which is now expected to be agreed at today's meeting.

BlindCraft employee David Anderson, who suffers from cerebellar ataxia, has worked for the company for nearly 14 years.

He said: "I'm absolutely thrilled. This means everything to me, it means I don't have to go cap in hand to the benefits office. I can actually go out and pay for things with money that I feel I have earned. That's invaluable to me and I know it is to at least 99 per cent of the people who work for BlindCraft."

The 44-year-old from Penicuik, who is also a representative for Community, added: "Although we will be on reduced hours, it is the best option that could come out of the meeting. It is a big relief."

It is understood the council's U-turn came after the SNP side of the administration indicated it was unhappy with the plan to close the factory when there was an alternative proposal which could save 650,000 of the 700,000 that the administration wanted to save.

SNP group leader and deputy council leader Steve Cardownie said: "While there was a chink of light, it seemed foolish to extinguish that. These are some of the most vulnerable members of the community and we want to do all we can to help them make a contribution."

The Community union previously said moving to a three-day week could save more than the required 700,000, as well as allowing time to find a longer-term solution.

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BlindCraft employee of nearly 14 years, Stephen Reilly, also welcomed the move.

The 48-year-old from Prestonpans, who underwent a heart transplant in 1997, said: "I'm delighted that the council is going to give us a chance to get ourselves sorted out. Hopefully we can get the support from the council to take us forward and ensure that the three-day week works and nobody is losing financially."

The motion also stated that a "comprehensive review of operations" will be undertaken after six months.

Last night Steve McCool, regional officer for Community, said it was too early to start celebrating. "I think it's crucial that we wait to see the vote," he said. "Up until now we have had no indication for a long time that the Lib Dems and SNP were going to support this. I will be forever thankful if that turns out to be the case and the vote is delivered."