Disabilities charity closes due to rising costs

A community project serving adults with learning difficulties has closed after 30 years, citing rising costs.

The Bridge Project Sudbury has been placed into liquidation.

The charity was founded in 1995 by Sudbury resident Anesta Newson who was made an MBE in 2012.

It said it was "incredibly proud" of its achievements, adding many of its services would be picked up by other local providers.

In a statement the trustees of the project said: "Like many charities across the UK, we have faced increasing financial challenges in recent years.

"Rising costs - including higher wages, National Insurance contributions, and the overall impact of inflation - have made it impossible to continue operating.

"Despite exploring every possible option, we have reached a point where we can no longer sustain our services."

The closure would see Sudbury Arts Centre, based at St Peter's, continue as a community interest company, supported by the Churches Conservation Trust.

Create – Paint Your Own Pottery in Borehamgate would close "with a similar offering soon to open to the public run by a respected local provider who shares our values and community ethos," the charity said.

Fresh lunch deliveries would be provided by Aspect Living.

It added: "Our focus in recent months has been on protecting the people we support and ensuring services continue where possible.

"We're grateful to the organisations who stepped in to take these forward, and to every member of staff who went above and beyond."

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