HANDYMEN will be taking on a project to give a station's old workshop and deserted waiting room a much-needed boost.

The old leather workshop on Southminster Station platform has been taken over by long-term shedder Bob Adams and Maldon and District CVS for a new Men in Sheds project.

This space, equipped with workstations already in place, will be used to host the project for men in the area to come together and share practical skills and knowledge.

As a first step the Essex Shed Network will be organising a working party to sweep and sort the space so its ready for the project to launch.

Next to the old workshop is a former waiting room which has fallen into disrepair and work will be carried out so it can be turned into a social space to complement the workshop.

There are also plans to refresh station planters and refurbish the community garden which runs next to the station platform.

The network were down in Southminster on Monday with Maldon and District CVS director Sarah Troop and Mr Adams to collect the keys to the old workshop.

Sarah said: "I am so pleased to be able to receive the keys of this great community space.

"We have been dreaming of having a Men in Sheds project on the Dengie since we opened the Maldon Shed in 2014.

"A lot of hard work and perseverance have finally got us to this stage and we are keen to hit the ground running and make this space open the community as soon as possible.

"I’d like to thank Greater Abellio rail for sharing our vision and the Community Network rail team at Essex County Council who we will be working alongside to complement the station adopters scheme to create a welcoming environment for commuters and other station users.

"Thanks also goes to the Essex Community Foundation who have provided funding to the project."

The Essex Shed Network will be looking for men in the area to take on a range of roles within the project in the coming months.

To get involved contact MDCVS or the ESN team on 01621 851891 or email matt@essexshednetwork.co.uk.