Nantwich scout group launches £250,000 project to build new base

A well-used Scout hut in Nantwich has had to close over safety fears, sparking a £250,000 new-build project.

The headquarters of the 38th South West Cheshire (Nantwich) group off Davenport Avenue has become rundown and can no longer be used.

The group, which has 76 children in its Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers sections, is now fundraising to ensure they can continue at a temporary marquee home in Ravensmoor.

And they have launched a campaign after the group’s leaders and committee agreed the best way forward is to demolish the existing structure and build a new headquarters on the site which the group owns.

This will involve obtaining planning permissions and then applying for various lottery and other funding pots to raise as much as £250,000.

Group Leader Stephen Bullock said: “Once we’ve got everything in place such as planning permissions, we can’t see a problem in in obtaining grants and funding.

“This is about providing for our future generations.

“The influence of the scouting movement is massive. We are providing “skills for life” for able-bodied children and those with special needs. It’s a vital part of the community.

“Many of the young people from the group go on to be young leaders and volunteers in scouting helping out at other groups in the area.

“Scouting builds young people’s confidence, social skills, spirituality and sense of community.

“In the last year the 38th group members have supported many local events including the Triathlon, the Nantwich Show and the November Remembrance fundraising and services in Crewe and Nantwich.

“The groups provide young people with an opportunity to participate, feel part of the community and to actively engage with local people of all ages and from all parts of the community.

“Young people who have participated in scouts develop important skills to take forward into adulthood.

“Their sense of belonging in the group, the need to function as a team and the friendships they develop are all an integral part of scouting.”

The current base has suffered from damage and disrepair for a number of years, with a leaking roof.

The site has also been a target for fly-tippers, with a leaking barrel of oil the latest to be dumped on the site.

Once permissions and funds are in place, the group says it will put the project out to tender for the demolition and newbuild.

Stephen added: “We felt the best and safest option was to demolish the existing building and start with a blank canvas.

“We’ve always had a good rapport with the neighbours as well, and I’m sure they will be happy to see a nice shiny new building there.”

The group welcomes any donations while it continues to operate in its temporary home and towards the new project.