A GROUP of Redditch volunteers are in desperate need to locate a new premises for their charity work.

Redditch Community Shed have had to leave their small space in the Old Needle Works on Britten Street due to safety concerns amid the coronavirus crisis.

Up to 25 volunteers, some whom are retired and are living with health problems, contribute to the various projects organised by the charity.

Now, the group fear their community is in danger of disappearing altogether if a larger space is not found within the next two weeks.

Group founder Roly Duke says he has spent £1000 on rent payments over the last few months, but the space has been unused due to the lockdown.

He said: "We can't go back now. I have stopped the rent - there's no way we can use the place safely. It started to become unsafe.

"With social distancing being introduced, we have been looking for a bigger premises.

"Whether it's going to fold or whether it can keep going, we don't know.

"If we can get somewhere in the next week or two then we can start setting this up again.

"We don't mind paying a bit of rent but we are restricted."

As a non-profit organisation, the Redditch Community Shed has undertaken a large number of community projects over the years, from working with senior citizens, to supporting schools.

It also aims to be a safe space for people to socialise and develop new skills.

Previously, volunteers built new garden planters for residents at St David's House, as part of a project to get people taking pride in their local environment.

The 'Home Soil' project, led by Bromsgrove & Redditch Open Spaces (BROS), is working with tenants living in social housing across Redditch, to encourage them to care for local green spaces and enjoy the fruits of their labour.

The group has recently been working with Nightstop and have offered DIY projects to help vulnerable youngsters.

People who may be able to help out the Redditch Community Shed can call 07980 374617.