5:41pm Monday 15th March 2010
A CAMPAIGN to raise £200,000 to save a north Durham scout group from closure is underway.
The 1st Consett Scout Group should this year be celebrating its centenary but instead it is fighting for survival.
They have been based on Constance Street since the 1960s, but the wooden shelter took a battering from the harsh winter weather and is no longer suitable.
Group scout manager, 46, from Consett, said: "For safety reasons we have decided that the coming 2009/10 winter must be the buildings last as we cannot guarantee the safety of the building beyond that.
"Although we would never willingly close the scout group, it is very difficult to see how we could continue to operate effectively without a new headquarters by the end of 2010.
"There are no facilities within Consett which could accommodate all three sections of the scout group, let alone our equipment."
The deteriorating building is the last standing structure from the town’s long-gone steelworks.
Parents have been told it will have to close its doors for good on July 31 due to the health and safety concerns.
Mr Carr said: "With the demand for scouting being so high, we are looking to expand, starting a new Beaver and a new Cub Section to allow every young person in and around Consett who wants to join the opportunity of taking part.
"Without a new headquarters, the service which Consett Scout Groups have provided to the community for 100 years could disappear into history, just like the steelworks which once made the town famous."
With the help of the community and businesses, it is hoped the group will raise the £200,000 needed to build an environmentally-friendly base and keep the scouts at the heart of the Consett community.
Scouts are also planning to do a range of sponsored activities to raise money.
A Facebook group to save the scouts has been set up and over 150 members.
Roslyn Pout said: "I was a Beaver leader at Consett from 1997 till 2002 and will be really sorry to see the group close. "
To get involved with the 1st Consett Scouts email info@consettscouts.org.uk or visit http://www.consettscouts.org.uk/
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