1st Molescroft Scouts have had some good news with regard to finding a new home within the grounds of Longcroft School.
The scouts were served with an eviction notice from their current site. The notice was issued as a result of plans by the local authority. They want to sell off the land for development where their building is currently located.
Following meetings with councillors and council officials, it would appear a solution may have been reached.
Cllr Denis Healy set up a meeting which he says showed the councils wiliness to help the scouts. He also added that a budget had been identified.
Speaking about the meeting Cllr Healy said;
“It was clear from that meeting that the senior council officers were willing to do what they could for the scouts and cadets.”
“This included working with Longcroft School to find a new site for their HQ buildings in the grounds of the redeveloped school.”
“They also said that they would investigate whether any financial support could be found.”
“News has come through that Longcroft School is happy to explore the idea of using land at the upper school site for the new HQ buildings.”
“The Council also confirmed that they have identified a budget, initially in the region of £150,000. This would be for the provision of two new modular buildings.”
“They will also cover the cost of removing the old buildings while ensuring that services to the new buildings are properly functioning.”
“There is also a pot of money called Commuted Sums. This is money paid by house developers. I am hopeful that I can help the scouts and cadets tap into some of that.”
Council Support Is Good News For Local Scout & Cadet Groups
“This is great news. But there is still a lot of work to be done to make it all happen in 2019. This includes planning applications, as this will all be subject to the normal planning process.”
“I am very pleased that the Council are listening to the Scouts and Cadets, and are working positively with them to resolve the issue of having new homes to move into this coming year.”
1st Molescroft Scout leader, Andrew Sharpe said:
“As a group, we are encouraged about the future after our latest meeting with ERYC. We have moved a long way in just over 5 weeks. Now we can go into the New Year more hopeful of a positive outcome.”
“We look forward to having further discussions with the Council in the New Year.”
“Cllr Healy continues to be supportive of our plight. He has said he will guide us in an application for commuted sums to bring any facilities we get up to standard.”
“We thank him for his significant support for us.”
