Closure of Business Centre

FIVE jobs will go when Brampton Business Centre and Telecentre closes at the end of March.

It is understood that those handed redundancy notices at the centre, part of the Irthing Centre in the town’s Union Lane, include project workers and computer training staff. The decision to close the centre has been taken by Carlisle City Council, which will no longer be leasing the building from Cumbria County Council.

One worker told The Cumberland News of employment worries and fears for budding new businesses in the town. The Brampton Business Centre employee said: “I don’t think people realise the impact this is going to have on the local area. “The business centre is such a great local facility and there is nothing else like it.”

The business centre offers local people and businesses access to computers, training and conference facilities, with a 20-strong computer suite, internet access and conference room. It also offers support to people who want to set up their own companies with temporary units.

A worker confirmed: “Five people have been served with redundancy notices.“Jobs are few and far between at the moment. “It is going to be really tough.” The uncertain future of the Union Lane site has been unsettling for everyone who works there, said the employee.

Brampton Community Centre is also part of the Irthing Centre, which was mooted as one of the a favourite locations for a new Brampton Health Campus, but is run independently by a community association.
The potential closure of the business centre had first been brought to light in June last year after small businesses occupying units were given notice to quit. But at the time the city council had denied there were firm plans to close the community hub.

Chairwoman of Brampton Chamber of Trade Allison Cheetham raised concerns at the time about the detrimental effect this would have on the towns economy. A spokeswoman for Carlisle City Council said that the authority had surrendered its lease on the Irthing Centre. She added: “From the end of April 2009, the county council are responsible for the site and buildings. “The tenancies of the business occupiers will continue until either party decide to end the arrangements.

She added: “This transfer means that Carlisle City Council has taken the decision to close Brampton Business Centre from the end of March and the staff currently employed there have been offered a redundancy package and we are providing  support and advice with this.”

Report by Linzi Watson