By, Anonymous
1 min read
ByAnonymous, Anonymous
A police contract is an arresting development for a practical support venture by special needs charity Kisharon.
Bus Stop Bikes, Kisharon's sales and repair shop in Church Road, Hendon, has secured a deal to service all police bicycles within the borough of Barnet. The shop - providing employment and training opportunities for adults with learning disabilities - will service around 50 bicycles twice a year and will also carry out repairs.
The enterprise is part of the charity's Asher Loftus Business Centre, also housing the Kisharon Print Shop. Business centre manager Yaakov Kramer said the police contract showed "the time and effort that we are putting into the business is paying off. It is wonderful to see how people with learning disabilities develop self esteem as they gain new skills and take pride in their work."
Local PC and Metropolitan Police trainer David Jones said a number of candidates had been assessed as part of the tendering process. He and a colleague had been "very impressed" by Bus Stop Bikes. "Of all the shops we visited, they offered the best value for money. They give a high standard of service and we enjoy dealing with the staff, who are very friendly."
Shop workers Levi Hyams and Yaacov Leon take great pride in their jobs. Mr Hyams enjoyed "cleaning the bikes and polishing everything up. I think it is very good that we are working on the police bikes." He also enjoyed keeping the shop clean and tidy. Mr Leon said: "I like the company and I am learning all the time. What I like best is taking off the wheels, tightening everything up then putting them back again - it is very satisfying."
Mr Kramer said the shop's service area had been renovated and its operations extended to a tyre repair facility for buggies and wheelchairs.
It has also established a recycling project.