Adwick learning group to close
A DONCASTER training organisation for adults with learning disabilities is being forced to shut by lack of cash.
Adwick Community Enterprise Ltd has been running as a garden centre and registered charity for nearly four years and has described itself as a socially aware and state-of-the-art horticultural centre.
The Garden Centre, in Village Street, Adwick, will cease trading on March 31.
ACE was once billed as the 'Mini Eden Project of the North'. In part, due to having a purpose built computer temperature controlled greenhouse, with classroom, office and retail area.
It provided up to 20 employment placements and featured a host of training opportunities for adults with learning disabilities.
ACE officially opened in June, 2006, with a plaque unveiled by Doncaster MP Ed Miliband, then minister for the third sector.
Trustee and board member, Alan Morris, said: "From inception we had a five year plan in place, but due to the unforeseen economic climate, increased salaries with the recent pay and rewards review, the potential loss of grant funding, and left without any confirmation of financial support for the future from Doncaster Council, there was little or no room to manoeuvre.
"The cumulative effects has all taken its toll on the future viability of ACE, so sadly the time has come to call it a day.
"It has been a delight to be a part of the Horticultural Learning Centre, and help deliver the vital services that transformed lives which so aided our community. We've provided such tremendous opportunities for adults with learning disabilities in such a short space of time.
"Everyone should be jubilant and proud of what has been achieved and if you look a little closer at ACE's hidden assets over the years, we are leaving a powerful brand name behind, one with a legacy of economic goodwill."
Trustees will hold talks with Doncaster Council in a bid to save any part of the operation they can.
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