Printing business fell 25% in New York City in the aftermath of the 11 September attack, according to a new report.

The Centre for an Urban Future, a think tank based in the city, said the attacks temporarily displaced several printers in lower Manhattan and caused logistical problems for firms in parts of the city affected by new restrictions on truck movements.

Other printers couldnt get into their buildings to finish jobs that were on presses when they were evacuated.

Machines were destroyed at one firm, Admiral Communications, because staff left its plant with ink still in the presses. Anthrax scares are expected to create more problems, especially for printers involved in catalogues and direct mail.

The report called for printing firms - and others in the arts, software, aviation, apparel, and biotechnology sectors - to be included in New Yorks
economic development strategy and said they should receive the short-term assistance they need to survive.

Story by Gordon Carson