I write in response to your report about the proposed closure of the Picture Framer and Ashford Place and the reduction in places at Krumbs Caf(Evening Press, November 19).

My daughter attends the Picture Framer and was one of the people affected in 1990 when the Well Workshop, which occupied the same site in Millers Yard, Gillygate, was closed down by United Response.

Change and uncertainty are difficult for anyone to cope with, but can be particularly distressful for someone with a learning disability. My daughter is having the rug pulled from under her feet yet again.

The Picture Framer is a wonderful place with caring and supportive staff offering training in a sheltered environment. In addition to an excellent picture framing service, it produces beautiful items such as printed silk scarves, greeting cards and painted glass pictures. It is close to the city centre, in the heart of the community and is easily accessible by public transport. It would be a crime if this valuable centre is lost.

I received a letter from Community Services in October which stated that changes had been planned because the employment schemes had not been able to achieve the progression of people moving into jobs. No mention was made of the shortage of orders to which your article refers.

It is disgraceful that the users of the facilities and their carers were not properly consulted. Why weren't they?

According to your report, the council's Community Services department stated that it had discovered that all three services - The Picture Framer, Ashford Place and Krumbs Caf - were finding it difficult to meet their set objectives and were not offering meaningful employment. What were these set objectives?

Nick Price of United Response is quoted as saying that any resources would go elsewhere. Exactly where will these resources go and will there be any reduction in resources?

Has the council and United Response done anything to help the workshops and caf to market their products and services to help them obtain new orders?

Has the council considered using any of the services themselves eg printing?

Sue Leadley,

Kilburn Road,

York.

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