AN OXFORD charity for the disabled is at risk of closing because of a financial “crisis”.

Pathway Workshop, in Blackbird Leys, which makes garden furniture, laid off six staff in December, leaving five employees.

General manager Mike Fleming said: “There’s less charitable funding available now and fewer people are buying our goods.

“They are of good quality but the problem is we are up against cheaper products that are mass-produced.

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“We also produce wood kindling and because we have had milder winters fewer people are buying it as fuel.”

The Dunnocks Way workshop’s staff, who have physical and learning disabilities, make garden furniture and wood chippings.

The furniture they make is sold to the public, schools and companies including Honda and Blenheim Palace.

Mr Fleming said: “Over the years Pathway has accumulated a level of debt of about £40,000 that we’re paying back in quite a responsible way.

“But when you’re not getting an income, it’s hard.

“The debt slows us down. If we didn’t have that we would probably break even, but it’s a great obstacle.”

Its annual running costs are £120,000 to £144,000 and he said: “We are in a financial crisis, it’s very, very sad.

“It’s the hardest thing I have done in my working life to have to let those six lads go just before Christmas.

“But if I hadn’t taken that action I wouldn’t be in a responsible business format.”

In 2005 it escaped closure after securing 11th-hour grants and is to apply to charitable foundations and organisations like Blackbird Leys Parish Council.

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Mr Fleming, above, said: “We’re leaving no stone unturned, but we are not in isolation. People are trying to gather round us and help.”

Charity honorary chairman and Oxford East MP Andrew Smith said: “Pathway do a wonderful job providing work and training for people who often find it difficult to get jobs.

“It is very worrying that they are facing these difficulties, especially as the prospects looked much more bright just a few months ago.

“As soon as I heard about the present pressures, I asked the House of Commons Library for briefing on possible additional sources of funding, which I am sending to Pathway straight away.”

Parish council chairman Gordon Roper said: “Pathway is imperative to the estate because they are doing something useful for the community.

“It will be a crying shame if it does have to pack up.

“If Pathway does apply for our January grants we will see what we can do to help.”

Visit pathway-workshop.co.uk

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