Banks Group Helping 19th Durham Scouts be Prepared!
Monday 21 May 2007
After many years of use, the Scout hut belonging to 19th Durham Scouts was in dire need of updating – and now, thanks to cash boosts from developers The Banks Group, the hut and its Scouting groups have taken on a new lease of life!
Banks’ Community Fund originally awarded £7,000 to the Scouting Association, which was used for re-structuring of the roof - including removal of asbestos and the fitting of insulation.
A further grant of £5,500 has also been given to ensure the building is fully accessible for disabled users. This involved installing new toilets, pathways, a new kitchen and improvements to the outside lighting.
Thanks to the funds supplied by Banks and the improvements to the building, Group Scout Leader, Ian Peele has seen numbers using the hut rocket.
Ian Peele said: “The difference to our members has been astonishing – our Beaver group is now at full capacity while our Scouting levels are at their highest for many years. In addition to this, all groups who use the centre including Guides, Brownies, Rainbows and Cubs continue to benefit from the greatly improved facilities.
“The hut is now a welcoming place and an available resource for the whole of the Scouting Community.”
Banks Developments and Esh Group are preparing redevelopment proposals for the nearby Elvet Waterside site in Durham City.
Mark Dowdall, environment and community director for The Banks Group, added: “The Scouting Association forms an invaluable part of any community, giving youngsters the chance to make new friends, learn new skills and use their energy in a constructive way.
“We’re extremely happy to lend our support to such a worthwhile project which has such obvious benefits to the community.”
The Banks Community Fund is administered by the County Durham Foundation. Projects, community groups or organisations looking for funding in the vicinity of a Banks development should contact Christina Rackley or Melanie Caldwell on 0191 383 0055. Last updated: Tuesday 29 May 2007, 14:22 PM
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