Wareham Men's Shed handed three-month eviction notice

Members of Wareham Men's Shed build structures and fix items to help their community

A workshop that helps men combat loneliness has been served with an eviction notice.

Wareham Men's Shed, which is run out of The Purbeck Centre in Dorset, was handed the three-month notice by Care Dorset - facing closure if it could not find another premises.

But building owners Care Dorset told the BBC the notice "should not have been given when it was".

It said it had paused proceedings, pending further conversations.

'Devastating'

Wareham Men's Shed is part of a national network of spaces for men at risk of social exclusion.

It gives its members somewhere to do woodwork and help with practical projects in the local community, as well as offering companionship.

Chris Hockley, a member of the group, called the news "shocking".

"This is a devastating blow to the mainly elderly men involved, as for many the shed gives them a purpose they would otherwise not have," he said.

He went on to list the local organisations that had benefitted from the group's projects, including schools, churches, charities and parish councils.

Recently, the group built a climbing wall for reception children at Stoborough Primary School.

Members have also undertaken projects to help local wildlife, like building bug hotels and hedgehog houses.

The group fixes and restores items, like this showcase in East Creech

Care Dorset, an adult care service owned by Dorset Council, said it had been looking to make improvements to how it operated its day centres.

A spokesperson said: "In the planning of this work, we recognise that there are more discussions that need to be had with representatives from Men's Shed and notice should not have been given when it was.

"Consequently we are pausing all matters relating to the issuing of the notice."

They apologised to Wareham Men's Shed for causing "concern and anxiety" and said they hoped to meet with the group, together with social care staff from Dorset Council, within the next fortnight, to discuss options for the future.

"In the meantime, [Wareham] Men's Shed can be assured that no action will be taken in relation to their tenancy," they added.

Follow BBC South on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2240.