The support for a new Community Workshop in Budleigh Salterton has been ‘overwhelming’.

Despite Lockdowns it is still full steam ahead for the planned community hub, which was once the town’s fire station, to be opened before the summer..

Bill McDermott, chairman of the Budleigh Salterton Workshop Trust said: “The support for this initiative has been overwhelming with many heart-breaking stories and generous donations. It could be a film!

“We are refurbishing through lockdown with volunteers and making great progress and hope to be open before summer this year, so that locals can get involved in a wide variety of activities.”

The latest support for the project come from decorating suppliers giants Dulux who have donated paint finish the project.

Exmouth Journal: The paint arrivesThe paint arrives (Image: Submitted)

Bill says: “The Community continues to be generous in their support and Dulux have stepped in and donated the paint required to finish off the project. We are so grateful to them for their support.”

He added: “The development is progressing very well with volunteers doing their bit as part of the refurbishment programme.

“We have installed a wide staircase and plastered throughout with the upstairs meeting room coming along well and work on the main workshop area about to start. “

The Workshop plan has been going properly for the last year when volunteers learnt of the likely disposal of the fire station during the first lockdown.

Through that period they managed to raise more than £400,000 to buy the building for the community and to start refurbishment work. During August, in the lead up to an auction, they raised more than £50,000 through Crowdfunding within 27 days.

Bill said: “It was an amazing feat which shows the enthusiasm for the project.”

The new building comprises specially-designed workshop and meeting room facilities and will offer practical, creative and social activities, community support, and learning opportunities.

Anybody interested in getting involved in the project can contact Katherine.mcdermott.darley@gmail.com or through our website www.budleighcommunityworkshop.org.uk