A new community space for men to come together while engaging in practical projects has opened in the Maldon district.

The Dengie Shed, at Southminster train station, saw its first group of men get together at the end of February to begin developing the former leather workshop ahead of its official launch in summer.

Opening the shed has been a dream of the Maldon and District Community Voluntary Service (CVS) and Essex Shed Network (ESN) since members launched the Maldon Shed in partnership in 2014.

ESN transforms sheds across the county into safe spaces which allow men to meet, chat and share tools while engaging in practical projects - the Dengie Shed is one of its most recent additions.

A spokesperson for ESN said the group is "delighted" to announce the arrival of the shed, with all local men interested in joining the project invited to sign up.

The spokesperson said: "The first session was held on 25 February and saw a small working party of local gents beginning to clear the workshop space in preparation to develop their shed.

"An official launch is planned for the summer of 2022.

"The Essex Shed Network is working closely with Abellio Greater Anglia to bring this project to Southminster and the wider community.

"All local gents are welcome."

Anyone who is interested in joining or donating to the project is invited to contact ESN at [email protected] or Matt Hume, ESN shed development officer, at 07935 216808.

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