Residents brought their broken tools to be mended at the launch of West Dunbartonshire Council's tool library at the weekend.

The new service, at Alexandria Library, also gives residents the chance to borrow equipment, with a view to cutting down on cost and reducing waste.

Volunteers and staff will also give tuition on how broken items can be fixed.

The tool library is part of the social enterprise Rag & Bone project, founded 18 months ago, which offers members access to tools for DIY, gardening, decorating and machine repair for a small membership fee.

Councillor Ian Dickson, convener of corporate services, said: “This is a fantastic project which not only brings old tools back in to use it allows residents to borrow a range of useful items which cuts out the expense of buying new.

"For a small fee of just £20 residents can also borrow garden toys and outdoor equipment.”

Councillor Iain McLaren, vice convener of corporate services, said: “This project is a great way to cut down on waste as it stops people buying equipment that they don’t need for more than one use.

"The expertise of volunteers at the tools library is a valuable part of this and the repairs will help residents mend their old equipment saving both the environment and the expense.”

As the library is a community interest company all fees will be ploughed back into the organisation, which also plans to open a zero waste shop next month in Dumbarton East.

The organisation’s main aims are environmental, combating climate change and also plastic pollution.

The library reduces landfill waste and production emissions, encourages sharing, reducing consumption and the shop reduces reliance on single use plastics.

Membership costs £20 for 12 months and users can borrow up to five items at a time for up to two weeks.

To join the tool library visit: www.ragandboneprojects.org/become-a-member.html

You can also email hello@ragandboneprojects.org

To view the extensive inventory of items available to hire, visit www.ragandboneprojects.org