Scouts lay foundations for new £200k HQ

The foundations have been laid for the creation of the 1st Sid Vale Scouts’ new hut – and now another £90,000 is needed to complete the next stage.

They have been helped on their way by volunteer efforts, free machinery hire and cost-price materials for the Salcombe Recreational Field HQ.

The foundations have been excavated and concreted, drains have been dug and the building has been connected to the water and electricity mains.

Scouts chairman Gareth Hughes said: “We need £90,000 now to purchase the scaffold, timber frame, roof, cladding to the walls and doors/windows to secure the building from the weather.

“We are still actively trying to get the old Scout Hall in Manor Road into a position for selling, and the proceeds from that will, hopefully, pay for the rest of the work.

“We need to continue to push on with our fundraising efforts and we will be very interested to hear from anyone who can help, in any way, with this exciting development project.”

He thanked the team of volunteers for preparing the land and Castle Plant and Tool Hire for providing the necessary heavy machinery free of charge.

SK Services carried out the work and the new building was hooked up to the electricity and water mains by QES Electrical.

Gareth also thanked the Scout Association for filling out the health and safety paperwork and cutting costs for the group.

The new £200,000 HQ will bring the scouting sections together under one roof with facilities including a kitchen, toilets, showers, storage and an integrated storage room.

The group has permission to convert the Manor Road hut into a home in the hope of increasing its value to a potential developer.

? Anyone wishing to make a donation or who has a fundraising idea can call Gareth on 01395 515552.