PLANS to turn a toilet block in Fordingbridge into a Men’s Shed community workshop have been mooted.

A proposal has been put forward to Fordingbridge Town Council by Avon Valley Shed, which was discussed during a meeting held via Zoom on Wednesday, June 3.

The group says the plans to repair and refurbish the building would create a community space to create, make and mend items, and share and learn skills.

Councillor Paul Anstey said it would be a “good use” of a council premises and the in-depth details would need to be considered. He said the council would need to ask the sports club whether it needed the facility for storage.

Councillor Mike Jackson felt it was a “bit premature” for the council to “sign away” part of the recreation ground as the neighbourhood plan would be looking at uses of the site as a whole. He said there could be an alternative venue in relation to a Rotary Club initiative.

Councillor Diane Paton later added: “As much as I support the neighbourhood plan, and think we need to forge ahead with it. I don’t think we can put everything on hold until we have done that.”

The meeting heard storage may be accommodated with the refurbishment of the pavilion. Councillor Edward Hale said: “We are very close to knowing what is happening with the pavilion and the refurbishment.”

Ian Lemon, of Avon Valley Shed, said he would be happy to talk with the Rotary Club but wanted the proposal to be considered on its own merit. He asked if the council would, in principle, allow the group to use the building if it was not needed.

He said the building was “deteriorating”, adding: “At the moment it is a derelict building that is deteriorating and will deteriorate quite quickly from now on because it has a broken roof. We are offering a sustainably viable future for it with sustainable finances.

"Obviously, there is a lot of work to do to get there but we can’t even begin to address any concerns you have without you saying ‘yes we would like further discussion and in principle would like you to be there’. That is all we are asking for.”

The council agreed if negotiations with the rugby club did not continue either because the facility is not used any longer or breaks down for any other reason it would be interested in following up on the men’s shed.

Mr Lemon said the group wanted to work with the council, adding: “The very fact that you are supporting us in principle is a huge step forward for us. It means we can start exploring possibilities with you and communicating with you.”

The council said it would contact New Forest District Council planningto get advice in relation to planning permission.

To find out more about Avon Valley Shed or to join email avonvalleyshed@gmail.com