A CREDITON community project has been given a £1,000 boost thanks to Crediton County Councillor Nick Way.

Nick was able to allocate money from his Devon County Council allocation of the Invest in Devon fund to the Crediton Men in Sheds Project, which is run by the charity Westbank Community Health and Care.

Mr Way this week went to see where the project operates at the Crediton Town Council’s Barnfield allotments.

Katheryn Hope, the Crediton Men in Sheds project co-ordinator, explained: “The allotment is large, almost the size of three normal ones. Originally it was very overgrown.

“We have been very busy clearing the allotment and creating more defined areas as well as planting. Our seasonal worker and volunteers have installed raised beds at the top area and we have placed a sign there so visitors know that this is the community allotment to help people find us. We also have a small bug hotel to attract insects and provide interest for children.

“We have now created a flat paved area as a base and a path at the top in preparation for the delivery of our new shed, which will arrive in the next few weeks and we have installed a picnic table for volunteers and visitors to be able to use in between tasks on the allotment. We still have a smaller shed which will store all our tools.

“We have planted four fruit trees (as per allotment rules) with bark chippings around them at the lower area and will plant some bulbs around the trees.

“We are getting increased numbers of people visiting and wanting to be involved, which is very encouraging. We held a small Covid safe open day on October 21 to help local people get involved safely while distancing.

“We created two distinct areas to maintain the rule of six and this division is still in place to make it clear that we can only accommodate six in each area.

“Though very rainy it was a positive day and general feedback is that the community allotment provides a safe outdoor space for local people to get out and be active while socialising which can be the only time they actually interact with others, so is immensely important to them.

“We also have one pupil from a local school getting involved for her Duke of Edinburgh Award.

“Through the winter we will continue to maintain and improve the allotment while opening it to those who can benefit.

“We have a member of Men in Sheds who has been helping onsite for some time and the numbers will expand once the shed is installed.

“The plan is for them to provide a tool sharpening service for the allotment and help with building projects such as more raised beds plus, eventually, a compost toilet in the far corner near the fruit trees. In spring we will plant the different beds and plan to run another open day.”

Katheryn expressed particular thanks to Andrew Drayton, Crediton Tesco store Community Champion, for his support and assistance with the project.

She added that the project was very grateful to Cllr Way and Devon County Council for the funding which has been used to pay for the paving and for the shed, which will be arriving soon.

Katherine said that there were distinct health benefits of the project.

Cllr Way said: “It is just great to see worthwhile community projects like this up and running locally.

“Many people are finding things very difficult at the moment. Anxiety problems seem to be on the increase causing concerns for families affected and health professionals alike.

“I am pleased I was able to help the Westbank Organisation and their local volunteers through the County Council’s Invest in Devon fund to finance this project.”

Anyone who would like to find out more about the project can email Katheryn at: [email protected] .