WHEN Marburg’s Josh Poole closed the doors recently on his popular coffee shop, he didn’t imagine his social media account would attract negative posts over his decision to begin a new career in childcare.
“There were tons of negative comments,” Josh said.
“I don’t appreciate that – people should be respectful, kind, and positive towards each other.
“If I want to do something of value to me, I am going to do childcare … some kindness would be nice to me.
“I’m closing my old Facebook account as I want the comments to stop.
“I realise childcare is not necessarily the easiest job in the world, but it would make me happy, I am sure of that.”
Disabled rights campaigner Josh Poole called it a day on Coffee by Josh after seven years in business.
Josh, 24, who has an intellectual impairment, fashioned the business on Claus Road to be a safe space for people with disabilities.
The business rose in popularity and attracted more than 20,000 social media followers.
“I would like to thank everyone for all the love, amazing support and encouragement over the years,” Josh added.
Council had handed down non-compliance orders on his business over past years after the property was identified as operating without planning and building approvals.
The family lodged a development application last May.
The proposal detailed removal of two shipping containers and an awning on the site which the café operated from and construction of a 12m x 12m shed with a 6m x 12m awning at the western fringe of the 25ha property.
