MEMBERS of a community group which supports socially disadvantaged people have been left heartbroken at its possible closure.

Mid Cheshire Community Shed, which began life in 2009 as Hartford Men in Sheds, was the first of its type to open in the UK.

The Shed is a supportive space where members work on projects, share skills, and socialise, with activities such as woodworking, and tea and coffee chats.

But a lack of ongoing funding and a major sponsor has left the group, which is based in Chester Road, Hartford, in a precarious position.

Treasurer Malcolm Dunlop has been working to help keep the Shed running.

The 76-year-old said: "This place is so important, there have been studies that have shown it improves mental health.

"If you talk to people, they will say that it has changed their lives, and they’ve made friends.

"I’m completely devastated that it could close.

"We haven’t been given a closing deadline yet so I’m just about keeping us above water at the moment, but it worries me every day.

"Currently just our running costs are about £2,000 per month, and at the moment we are only getting around £1,000. Our reserves have dropped tremendously,

"Because I am the treasurer, I’m working a closedown plan but if we don’t raise a certain amount then I’m just going to have to say, we can’t continue."

Earlier this month, MP Andrew Cooper paid a visit to the Mid Cheshire Community Shed, along with Cheshire West and Chester councillors Martin Loftus and Sam Naylor.

They were told of the work carried out at the Shed and the benefits it has in the community.

The Shed's main source of fundings is its 40 members, each of whom pay around £20 a month.

The group has resolved to raise funds to keep the Shed active and members are planning to sell items at the Hartford Christmas Fayre on Saturday, November 30.

They will be running a stall selling crafted woodwork items they have made.

Malcolm hopes to raise further funds to find a permanent home for the Shed, after temporary accommodation was found after the Covid-19 pandemic.

He added: “One route we are looking at is if anyone owns a property and can give it to us as a charity, then they can reclaim the total value on it and all their expenses."