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Campaign to save Bearwood's Coffee Junction

A community cafe in Smethwick that helps youngsters with learning disabilities get into work could close in July, it has been claimed.

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Coffee Junction in Bearwood, which is run by the Queen Alexandra College in Harborne, has been a meeting place for families and young mothers for the past three years.

An online petition set up by campaigner Ruairágh Ó Laoghaire on change.org claims the cafe is due to close by the end of July after 'failing to hit the targets set by the governors at the college'.

Almost 500 people in four days have signed the petition to save the venue, which is on the junction of Bearwood Road and Three Shires Oak Road.

A member of staff at the cafe, who asked not to be named, said that there was a possibility of closure, and thanked members of the public for their support, but was unable to comment any further.

On the petition statement, Mr Ó Laoghaire, from Oldbury, says: "Some of the staff are looking to present some alternative proposals to the governors rather than full closure.

"If you would like to help them or offer suggestions call in and see them.

"I believe it has become an integral part of our community and we had much bigger plans for the students to move on for more experience once Lightwoods House opens up in the Autumn."

Jessica Holloway Swift, from Smethwick, left a comment on the petition site saying: "Coffee Junction is more than a cafe, it is a community hub and helps students with disabilities gain much needed experience.

"It would be an unacceptable loss to the community."

The cafe is part of QAC Enterprises Ltd, one of the businesses that raise money for Queen Alexandra, a national college for people with disabilities.

All profits are paid back into the charity. Coffee Junction is currently open seven days a week and offers Wi-Fi and an interactive play and reading area.

Bosses from the college were unavailable for comment.

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