Plans for a Men’s Shed facility in the new-look Hermitage Park have been backed by local councillors.

Members of Argyll and Bute Council’s Helensburgh and Lomond area committee gave their unanimous support to a proposal for the Helensburgh and District Men’s Shed Association to establish a purpose-built facility in the south-west corner of the park, between the Victoria Halls and the burn.

The committee’s backing for the project means that the association can now go out and seek external funding for the project – though it will also require planning permission, and the conclusion of a lease for the ground, before building work can start.

Speaking at the area committee’s meeting last week, chair Cllr Ellen Morton said: “We have all, in different ways and at different times, been involved in discussions about how to help the group.

“The proposal wouldn’t have any impact on the Victoria Halls, or on the planning, protective services and licensing committee’s power to reach a decision on any planning application.”

Melissa Simpson, the council’s Hermitage Park project development officer, said the Men’s Shed Association was already working on designs and detailed costings for its building.

Lomond North councillor George Freeman asked if, despite the name of the group, women could participate in its work, to which Ms Simpson said that they would.

Cllr Morton added: “Even those who are undecided can take part.

“I believe the term Men’s Shed originated in Australia, which is perhaps a more masculine-oriented society, and where women, I understand, are sometimes known as ‘Sheilas’.”

A report to the committee, prepared by Pippa Milne, the council’s executive director of development and infrastructure, said that siting a Men’s Shed facility within Hermitage Park “would meet and fulfil a much-needed wider social requirement of the community”.

Work on a planning application and lease arrangements is now likely to start in the new year.