Super Shed in Newton Aycliffe offers wheelchair access and more space throughout the year

After four months of planning, designing and redesigning, the wheelchair accessible shed at the Pioneering Care Centre, on Carer’s Way, has welcomed its first community gardening enthusiasts.

The Super Shed, built by the Greenfield Men’s Cree group, offers Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP) users more indoor space - creating more opportunities to continue their passion throughout the year.

Carol Gaskarth, chief executive for the PCP, said: “The gardeners identified a need for the Super Shed because our current one wasn’t accessible.

“It was too small and they wanted to work through the colder months.

“They came up with the idea of the Super Shed and commissioned the Cree Men to carry out what has been their biggest project.”

The Men’s Cree is a health and wellbeing group which encourages men to volunteer their time and work together to learn skills.

The proud team designed and built the base and placed a plaque on the wooden building at its opening, thanking Palram, BTS Fabrications and Cemex without whose help the shed would not have come to fruition.

A PCP spokesperson said: “The community gardeners and volunteers were really excited to see this colourful shed ready in time for the long cold winter as it will enable them to continue growing and learning even during poor weather.”

Melanie Fordham, PCP chairperson, formally opened the shed congratulating the “hard work and dedication” of the Cree Men and volunteer as well as funders - the Great Aycliffe and Middridge Area Action Partnership, Livin, and the National Citizenship Service.

She said: “This huge shed is a true community effort which would not have been achieved without local businesses coming to our rescue – a true team effort.”

Anyone who would like a tour of the garden, or to find out about the gardening courses and how to get involved contact Fiona Mawson by calling 01325 321234 or by emailing fiona.mawson@pcp.uk.net