A THRIVING scout group is appealing for help to raise funds for their dilapidated village hut.

Burton Scout Group want to replace the hut they use now with a new facility, due to the state of the current building, which is riddled with damp and needs major repair work.

Following years of negotiations, the scout leaders have been able to secure a lease and planning permission for the new facility at Martins Hill Close.

But now they want to replace the rundown building and are appealing to people for help in raising the funds.

The current hut was built 60 years ago and came from a Portsmouth dockyard, arriving in Burton in 1970 after a stint as a site hut for M4 motorway construction works.

Repair costs have risen dramatically over the years with rotting floor joists and decaying window frames along with leaks to the roof and in turn damp problems.

The group want to raise around £200,000 for the new building, with generous pledges already made by the Talbot Trust, Christchurch Rotary Club and other members of the community.

Group Scout leader, Graham Markwick said: "We want to provide quality scouting to the people of Burton for the future.

"Scouting is about giving young people great memories; we all pride ourselves on that.

"We have had a revival with people joining up - it's just leaders we need now to add to our brilliant team and of course a new hut."

He added: "I would also like to thank Judy Jamieson, chairman of Burton Parish Council, and Meyrick Estates for their support in securing the lease.

"Now we need to make progress with the fundraising.

"There has been a scouting presence serving the community in Burton for nearly 100 years but our building has come to the end of its shelf life.

"We need a safe and secure facility that will enable the Scouts to serve for another 100 years."

Contact Graham on 01202 475716.