Budleigh fire station group hits target

They'll now bid at auction

Volunteers in Budleigh Salterton hoping to buy the town's former fire station and turn it into a community workshop have hit their fundraising target.

The station closed in April after the fire authority moved services to a newer facility four miles away. Now the two-storey building is to be auctioned, with a guide price of £125,000. But the Budleigh Community Workshop Trust (BCWT) estimates around £200,000 may be needed to be able to complete the purchase. It raised £150,000 towards the purchase of the building before launching a crowdfunding campaign for the last £50,000.

£45,133 had been raised through the support of the public, and now Devon District Council’s Community Grant Panel has pledged the last £4,867 to ensure the target is met.

Bill McDermott, the chairman of the trust, asking for the grant funding, told the panel that they have been trying to get a community workshop for best part of three years but the fire station site would be perfect. He added: “Our vision is to acquire it for the local community for a legacy for all to enjoy. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to get the building and we think this is ideally suited and located. We need to get the extra funds to ensure we get the fighting funds to cross the line.” Mr McDermott said the building, which is adjacent to the public hall and existing workshops is ideally suited for the purpose.

The BCWT plans include the creation of a workshop and other recreational facilities for the community to enhance skills, confidence and inclusion, with volunteer led activities made available to individuals who need for such facilities by reason of their age, infirmity or disability, financial hardship or social circumstances.

Activities will initially focus on carpentry, wood turning and allied DIY, textile crafts and repair skills under the supervision of experienced practitioners and support volunteers, with the aspiration to make the workshop socially inclusive and diverse, focussing wherever the need is, so that young adults and older generations can develop skills and enjoy the social and creative opportunities.

Committee chairman Cllr Jack Rowland said that it was an excellent project, and said that he would support pledging the remaining funds, while Cllr Helen Parr added: “This is a tremendous vision to get such a building for the community and an excellent cause.”

Simon Jupp, East Devon MP, backs the campaign, and said: “I’m proud to support this project which is clearly backed by many people in Budleigh. It would be a big boost for the town and help bring people together to improve their skills and confidence.”