STUDENTS at a day centre for people with learning difficulties held a farewell art exhibition before Brent Council closes it.
The Stonebridge Day Centre, in Twybridge Way, Stonebridge, is to close on Saturday, despite opposition from users and their carers.
The College of North West London (CNWL) has worked with Brent Adult Social Services for 15 years to help deliver an educational programme for people with disabilities.
Last Wednesday, an exhibition of Stonebridge Day Centre art students’ work was opened Alison Rose, a lecturer at the college, who works with the students, said: "This exhibition is going to be an emotional occasion and feels like the end of an era in many ways.
"The students have some great work to show off and I am sure they will enjoy displaying it."
Over the years the students have displayed examples of their work at Willesden Gallery, they have been commissioned by the council to decorate Willesden High Street for a winter festival and have designed shop window displays in Portobello Road, in Notting Hill.
Artwork by students Duwayne Brooks and Graham Quaintance, whose work has been exhibited at Tate Modern, can be seen at the exhibition.
The principal of CNWL, Vicki Fagg, said: "We are very disappointed that the council is having to sacrifice Stonebridge Day Centre.
"We want to work closely with Brent Council in the future to make sure disadvantaged students receive as much support as possible, despite the difficult financial times we are facing as a result of these coalition cuts."
The day centre opened in 1973; users will be transferred to Strathcona Day Centre, in Wembley.
Strathcona will also eventually close and a new centre, on John Billam playing fields, near Woodcock Hill, Kenton, will open, but will be only for people with severe disabilities.
Those who are not offered a place will have to pay for care workers and activities out of payments made to them directly.
