Go-ahead for new £250,000 Market Drayton Guides' hut
A campaign by a Guides group in Shropshire to replace its headquarters has overcome a major hurdle after planning permission was granted for the project.
It means that Market Drayton District Guides can now concentrate on their bid to raise about £250,000 for the new building, which would replace the existing one in Elizabeth Court.
The group said its existing building was damp and too small, and a new one was needed to meet the growing demand of people wanting to join.
The Guides have been trying to raise money for the new building for the last two to three years and their latest fundraiser is taking place tomorrow.
It will be held at the Scout Hut in Elizabeth Court at 7pm and feature a Christmas quiz and raffle.
The quiz will feature teams of four and it will cost £1 each to enter to include a mince pie.
Some of the prizes on offer on the night include a Morrison's voucher and meals for two at local pubs and restaurants.
Jane Evans, chairman of the committee which manages the Guide Hut, said: "The current one is like a wooden hut and the plan is to take it down and start afresh with a brick building.
"I think we are looking at between £200,000 to £250,000.
"The existing building has come to the end of its natural life. Costs to heat and maintain it have gone up," she said.
"The guides in Market Drayton have been trying to raise money for the last two to three years.
"They have seen the deterioration in the present hut.
"In January I got involved and formed a committee to move the whole thing forward and work out what we needed to do."
She added: "A lot of money was raised up until that point and that has continued.
"We have received a lot of support from local people and have received money from the town council and local joint committee.
"We are putting together information needed for the grants, which is where the big money will come from."
She added: "The number of girls is increasing.
"In the last four years it has gone up three times.
"We also have waiting lists – so there is a need."
The new hut, which was granted planning permission by Shropshire Council last month, will be used by several groups, including the Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Trefoil Guild.
