17/09/03 - New premises for Cumbria Industries

Cumbria County Council is to look for new premises for Cumbria Industries after significant amounts of asbestos were found to have been used during the building of the existing factory on Petteril Bank Road, Harraby in Carlisle. Operations at the factory, which provides work for people with disabilities, manufacturing beds and running an upholstery business, will transfer to a new location, a move supported by all three political parties on the County Council.

Following a rash of vandalism at the factory in April it was discovered that asbestos fibres were present in the building materials. The factory was immediately closed and further investigation work undertaken to establish the full extent of the problem. Whilst there were no problems with airborne fibres, materials used to originally build the factory contained large amounts of asbestos and it became apparent that reopening the factory was not feasible. Following discussions between the County Council, employees and Union representatives to look at all options for the future it was felt new premises would give the best opportunity for all those who currently work at Cumbria Industries or may need support in finding work.    

It is expected that a new location will not only provide secure employment for those individuals with disabilities who want to continue working in a sheltered factory environment, but in addition help and support those who want to secure work in mainstream employment.    

The three political leaders of Cumbria County Council have today expressed their support for the move.   

Rex Toft, Conservative Group Leader and Leader of the County Council says:   

“It became clear once we knew that the existing factory could not reopen that there were only two options open to us; to either close Cumbria Industries permanently and do all we could to find alternative work for employees or look for new premises. 

For many years Cumbria Industries has provided valuable employment and support for people with disabilities who need the security of a sheltered factory environment. However what we also want to do is improve opportunities for people with disabilities who want to work in mainstream employment. Therefore the new factory will not only operate a business in modern facilities, but also provide essential personal development to those individuals wishing to acquire the skills and confidence to work in mainstream employment”.

Mike Ash, Deputy Leader of the Council and Liberal Democrat Group Leader says:

“After lengthy discussions this way forward has been agreed by all three political groups which is particularly welcome and I am sure forms a good basis for our continued support to improve a service much valued by the employees of Cumbria Industries and many other people.”

Labour Group Leader Councillor Stewart Young adds:

“I welcome this decision which will enable Cumbria Industries to move forward and I hope we can now all work together to ensure that the move is a success”.