MEMBERS of the Girvan Men's Shed Initiative could purchase an empty building and put it to good use in a bid to prevent social isolation.

The 'shedders' who currently meet at the Girvan Town House, want to build their own facility in, which would become a potting shed and allow isolated and lonely adults to meet on a regular basis.

Those who run the group feel it is important to develop as they feel isolation can led to depression and other health problems.

Speaking at a public meeting, Ernie Kenny, said: "We have been looking at various premises in the town. Social isolation has a huge impact on the health service.

"As a result men end up watching TV and do not keep active. There are so many men who feel useless and fall into a trap."

Jill Kenny added: "They become isolated and forget how to socialise and communicate. It affects their families"

Roddy McDonald later explained: "We have about 10 men, who at the moment are helping us design the shed which is subject to planning.

"We are hoping that it will be sorted in the near future. We plan to create a potting shed which links in with the community garden and we are also looking to develop other ideas.

"This project is all about combating social isolation which quite clearly has a health impact on people becoming lonely.

"Part of all this is about taking small steps. We want to work in partnership with other sheds. There are a group in Maidens as well as throughout Dumfries and Galloway.

"It is early stages. I think once we get the first project of design and building started it will have great momentum for other aspects of our journey.

"We still intend to use the Town House for our meetings. At the moment some of the shedders are looking at occupied buildings to create their new environment."