Fears community group might close as it loses home

Steve Whitby said they "bring people together" to socialise at the shed

A group that build and repair items for the community might have to close if it cannot find a new home.

The Wells Community Shed in South Horrington, Somerset, brings people together to socialise and "stay active", leaders say.

But from February they will no longer have a base, after the charity that owns their current space wants to use it for its own woodworking activities.

Steve Whitby, who manages the shed, said: "Our members are getting very upset at the moment. It keeps them active, it gets them communicating with fellow friends and neighbours."

Since 2018, the group has been housed in a converted garage, owned by the charity Heads Up.

They renovated the space, which did not have electrical sockets or lighting when they moved in.

"It's either repairing things, making things or renovating things," Mr Whitby added.

"We do a lot of work for the local community. We've also done things for local charities."

Hunt for older building

Now, Heads Up wants to take the space back after the charity has seen a "considerable rise in demand" in its services.

Charity leaders said they are working with members of the shed to help them find a new space.

Wendy Attridge from Heads Up said: "We do appreciate this is unwelcome to Wells Community Shed, but the trustees' obligation is the wellbeing of its charity and, over six years, situations have changed."

Mr Whitby said they are looking for "any kind of older building".

"Some of our members are not the most mobile people, so we need it to be on the ground floor," he added.