It is feared that a sinkhole could mean the end of a social enterprise supporting people in the city who have learning disabilities.  

Equal Brewkery started up in 2017 with an aim to teach and guide people with learning disabilities in the art of brewing and baking.

Norwich Evening News: Many people with learning disabilities rely on the social enterprise Many people with learning disabilities rely on the social enterprise (Image: Equal Brewkery)

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However, a sinkhole opened up recently at its Ipswich Road home - which is owned by Norfolk County Council - and now the organisation is having to find new premises or risk having to close its doors completely.  

Founder Bill Russell said: “This could mean the end for Equal Brewkery and the support we offer to people with learning disabilities.  

Norwich Evening News: Works are predicted to take months Works are predicted to take months (Image: Denise Bradley)

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“We have fantastic clients who we have seen develop and grow in confidence and skill and it would be devastating to have to stop now.  

“We are appealing to local businesses or organisations who might have a small kitchen space they can lend us, either short or long term, so we can carry on our vital work for the people of Norwich and Norfolk.” 

Norwich Evening News: Bill Russell, founder of Equal Brewkery Bill Russell, founder of Equal Brewkery (Image: Newsquest)

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To continue functioning the social enterprise needs a site which has an oven, room for small brewing equipment and is able to house six to eight people at a time.  

A county council spokesman said: “Contractors are still working to establish the cause of the sinkhole which requires extensive site investigation work to be carried out. This work is expected to last until at least September. 

Norwich Evening News: The site has a cover to keep folk safe from the sink hole The site has a cover to keep folk safe from the sink hole (Image: Denise Bradley)

“Independence Matters lead with the services delivered from the Ipswich Road site and continue to proactively provide support, advice and guidance, as required, to everyone who has connections to the site, including the Brewkery.   

“All service users attending day services provided at the site have been provided with alternative support.” 

Norwich Evening News: Bill Russell, founder of Equal Brewkery, at the mash tun with volunteers Donna Donnachie, left, and Emma Hornby Bill Russell, founder of Equal Brewkery, at the mash tun with volunteers Donna Donnachie, left, and Emma Hornby (Image: Newsquest)

Norwich Evening News: The site has been boarded up The site has been boarded up (Image: Denise Bradley)