WAREHAM Men’s Shed will stay open – despite receiving an eviction notice earlier this week.

The group was told it would have to leave premises at the Purbeck Centre it rents from Care Dorset, an independent company owned by Dorset Council.

The eviction letter informed them the site had a change of operational need, with a specific reason not given.

But, your Purbeck Gazette can reveal, the decision has now been reversed and an apology issued.

A spokesperson for Care Dorset said: “At Care Dorset, we have been looking at how to improve operations of day centres and how this affects the work of Men’s Shed operated from the Purbeck centre.

“In the planning of this work, we recognise that there are more discussions that need to be had with representatives from Men’s Shed and notice should not have been given when it was.

“Consequently we are pausing all matters relating to the issuing of the notice.

“We will be meeting with Men’s Shed, together with adult social care staff at Dorset Council, to explore the options for the future.

“We hope to meet in the next couple of weeks.”

They said the Men’s Shed can now rest easy at its current home, “assured that no action will be taken in relation to their tenancy”.

“We are committed to improving our day service offer, and that has to be our first thought, but our centres are valued parts of their communities and we recognise that there are wider conversations that need to be had as we go forward,” they added.

“We are sorry for the concern and anxiety that has been caused and want to assure all those involved with this project that we are committed to developing our services with local people and community groups.”

There are more than 1,000 Men’s Sheds across the country, offering a place for people to form friendships while supporting projects in the community.

Currently, Wareham volunteers are helping three local schools, councils, churches, private individuals and more.