An outdoor centre in Easingwold which is predominantly used by scouts is able to install a new drainage bed thanks to help from Hambleton District Council’s Making a Difference Fund.
Last year, the 70-year-old timber building, which is set in eight acres of rural land, had to be demolished due to structure failure, the inadequacy of the sanitary facilities and the presence of asbestos.
In order to preserve this unique and valuable facility 1st Easingwold Scout Group took on the role of fundraising to rebuild a new timber cabin complete with disabled access.
Cllr Knapton, who supported the application, said: “The group has raised a staggering £207,000 through grant aid and their own fundraising efforts to make this happen.
“Obviously, toilet provision in the new build is essential and the £3,500 from the district council has been a big help. It is so pleasing that the council is able to support groups such as this one.”
Trustee and project officer for 1st Easingwold (Forest of Galtres) Scout Group, Susan Scotter said: “We have been so fortunate, in that, construction has been able to continue during Coronavirus restrictions due to the isolated position in which the building sits.
“One of the constraints of our planning approval was that we had to demonstrate that our septic tank provision was fit for purpose and the cheapest way to do this was to install a drainage bed.
“Unfortunately due to delays outside of our control it is unlikely our building will be functional for at least another three months.
“But once everything is done and things are more back to normal, we hope the new building will not only benefit the scouting community both within and outside of the district, but those who hire it from us as well. We hope to have more interest from people wanting to hire the building once the work is complete. We hope that over 500 people per year will benefit from our new build.”
Cash for the Making a Difference scheme comes from ongoing cost savings that councillors are reinvesting into the local community.
Each scheme must meet one of the council’s key priorities – driving economic vitality, enhancing health and wellbeing, caring for the environment and providing a special place to live.
Each must show that there is community involvement and represents value for money.
Be the first to comment