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Unique local service faces imminent closure

Conservatives tackles Council over exorbitant rents on charity.

July 03, 2004

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Cllr Hands, local activist Belinda Donovan and users of ETT	Following a visit to the Hamemrsmith Road based charity, ETT, Hammersmith & Fulham Conservative Parliamentary Spokesman, Cllr Greg Hands, has lambasted the Labour Council for putting the survival of the charity at risk. Following exorbitant rent increases by the Council, ETT (Employment Through Technology) may be forced to close within four weeks. During the visit, Cllr Hands met with volunteers and users of the service which helps people gain skills in technology to help them back into the workplace.

Commenting on the current situation, Steve Dirwari, Treasurer of ETT has said: "The rent has gone up from £1,089.00 in 1996 to £5,400.00, including a £1000 increase in the past 2 years alone. The state of the building is also completely disgusting with rain leaking through the roof. We are on a knife edge as we cannot pay our rent and are in imminent danger therefore of closing down." The Council have inspected the property this year, however have done nothing to rectify the poor condition of the property, let alone lower the rent. During his visit, Cllr Hands said: "ETT is a unique service, run entirely by volunteers, helping people gain valuable IT skills and doing so entirely for the good of the community. "It is scandalous that the Council are demanding such massive rent increases. I will be taking this matter to the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham and demanding something is done before the final nail is driven into this valuable community organisation."