One of Aberdeenshire’s newest men’s shed groups has asked for council backing after work to establish itself in the heart of a community escalated.
The Portlethen and District Men’s Shed (PDMS) was established last year and secured a community asset transfer of a former toilet block on Crookston Road in February.
Members are now in the process of converting the building into a facility that would act as a workshop and meeting place for locals to socialise and work on DIY projects.
The aim of men’s sheds is to promote mental and physical health and well-being.
Work to transform the building was first estimated at £30,000 but could now cost about £45,000 due a number of issues encountered by members.
Asbestos has been found at the building and a non-load bearing wall will have to be to knocked down at a cost of £3,000 in order for work to progress.
Kincardine and Mearns councillors will next week decide whether to allocate the group an additional £7,000 from its budget and note the council is undertaking £1,900 worth of asbestos work.
Yesterday chairman of the group, George Pringle, said the cost of securing the required equipment and tools once the work is completed could bring the total cost to nearer £60,000.
He added: “We had a survey and there was a few issues and we basically felt it was getting a bit out of hand so we contacted the council. If we get the support from the local councillors it will be good.
“We are hoping to open in the spring, but it very much depends upon the funding. We have got about £18,000 and we hope to get the shed up and running with about £45,000.
“It is a public toilet where other men’s shed like Inverurie and Westhill have got different types of buildings and had very minor work to do. We have got to convert a toilet.
“We are hoping to knock down internal walls and fit it out with disabled access. We hope to get a portacabin at the back of the shed – that is where we are wanting to have the social area. If we can get the building up and running people could flock to it.”
Donations can be made to the Portlethen and District Men’s Shed by emailing info@mensshed.co.uk.
Members are also holding an open day next Thursday in the Portlethen Youth Centre at 1pm.
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