A SCOUTING community is celebrating the opening of a £135,000 multi-activity centre at the home of the 1st Poulner Scouts after five years in the making.

Work has been completed on the new centre, which incorporates a climbing wall, indoor archery and space for rifle shooting.

The state-of-the-art facility at Southampton Road was opened on Friday, October 3.

Group Scout leader Colin Andrews said the centre will benefit the whole community and not just the Scout group, which has a membership of 200.

It will be run as a stand-alone community space on a self-funding basis and not-for-profit, with the help of trained volunteer staff. The nearest climbing wall is in Wimborne.

The project was given a kickstart with a £50,000 grant from the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE), with the remainder raised by the Scouts.

The Veolia Environmental Trust also awarded a grant of £18,240 through the Landfill Communities Fund towards the scheme.

And over the last five years the Scouts have been on a fundraising mission, holding events such as bag packing, auctions, quiz nights, social and sports events, including a 5k race, to raise the additional funds needed to see the scheme come to life.

Scout group leader Colin Andrews said that the idea was born about eight years ago, after £5,000 was bequeathed to the group.

“The local community have been just fantastic. The businesses have helped probably about 20 or 30 times in sponsorship and signs. What a wonderful community we live in.”

The Scout group chairman, Rob Allardyce, said: “This is a great achievement by all who have contributed towards creating this facility. It is a great addition to the options that young people, in particular, have in Ringwood and the surrounding area. “Indoor climbing is growing in popularity and the Multi Activity Centre, incorporating the new indoor climbing wall, will attract many beginners and more experienced climbers.”

Executive director of the Veolia Environmental Trust, Paul Taylor, added: “I hope this excellent and innovative facility is enjoyed for many years to come.”