Wells Community Shed Faces Potential Closure After Losing Premises

A community organization that constructs and mends items for the local populace may be forced to cease operations if it cannot secure a new location. The Wells Community Shed, situated in South Horrington, Somerset, serves as a gathering point for individuals to socialize and “stay active,” according to its leaders. However, starting in February, the group will no longer possess a base, as the charity owning their current facility intends to utilize it for its own woodworking activities. Steve Whitby, the manager of the shed, stated: “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 accommodated in a converted garage, which is owned by the charity Heads Up. They undertook renovations of the space, which lacked electrical sockets or lighting upon their initial occupancy. “It’s either repairing things, making things or renovating things,” Mr. Whitby further noted. “We do a lot of work for the local community. We’ve also done things for local charities.” Heads Up now seeks to reclaim the premises after the charity has experienced a “considerable rise in demand” for its services. Leaders of the charity indicated they are collaborating with the shed’s members to assist in locating alternative premises. Wendy Attridge from Heads Up commented: “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 mentioned they are searching for “any kind of older building.” He added: “Some of our members are not the most mobile people, so we need it to be on the ground floor.” BBC Somerset can be followed on Facebook and X. Story ideas can be submitted via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external sites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.