Ross Scouts and Guide Association are seeking community support to help with funds to build a new storage unit at their Ross headquarters.

The original Scouts hut was built in 1973 with help from community fundraising, but the facilities at the Ross Scouts and Guiding Hut are now in desperate need for refurbishment.

The recent flooding from Storm Dennis in Ross has also led to more renovation work being required.

Gareth Dempsey, is the leader of Ross Beavers who use the premises alongside the Scouts, Cubs and Guide sections.

Speaking to the Ross Gazette, Gareth said: “The hut is in desperate need of renovation, the buildings we use were built over 40 years ago and whilst they have done a very good job in that time, there is a need for new facilities to be built.”

Gareth - who has been leader of Ross Beavers since January 2019 - recently spent the Christmas break helping put up a new temporary storage unit. This will be used to house some of group’s equipment.

Gareth was helped in this task by Nick Mitchell, who has two children in Ross Cubs, and Danny Wood, whose wife is leader of Ross Rainbows.

Gareth said: “We are very grateful to the parents of many of our Cubs, Beavers and Scouts who are very helpful in supporting the club in various ways, including offering their time to help improve some of the facilities, as Nick and Danny have been so kind to do.

“Unfortunately as with many Scout groups around the country, funds are tight and we do require help and assistance.”

One local business who has already offered their support is Bradfords Building Merchants.

The building firm kindly offered to donate building materials for the new temporary storage unit.

Dan Miller, Manager of the local Bradfords branch, said: “Support to local organisations who help to create better communities and set up the next generation to maintain them is entirely in line with Bradfords Family Values, and we’re delighted to have been able to help such a worthwhile movement as the Scout Association.”

For more information on how to help please email Ross Group Scout Leader Alison Almond on [email protected]