ALDERSHOT'S oldest scout group has launched a fund-raising campaign to replace its huts' crumbling roofs.

The 1st Aldershot Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Pioneer Explorer troops have used the same wooden huts since they were shipped over from Canada in the 1960s.

However the years have taken their toll, with the huts becoming very cold over the winter months and starting to leak over the wet season.

Now the scout group is hoping to raise £30,000 to pay for replacement roofs, as well as another £10,000 for an additional storage shed.

Pioneer explorer unit assistant Lucy Crockford said: "We don't really know the age of the huts exactly, but we know that they were used to house soldiers over during the Second World War. They have lasted remarkably well, but we really do need to improve them soon.

"In the winter we get so cold that we have to use a lot of portable heaters to make the buildings bearable, which is obviously very expensive for us."

She stressed that the two huts, situated off Eastern Road, in North Town, are structurally sound and there is no danger of either roof failing entirely.

Due to an abundance of camping gear and equipment for outdoor activities, the group is hoping to use £10,000 to build a wooden store.

The group launched its campaign with a meeting with parents on September 13. The meeting was attended by North Town ward councillor Keith Dibble, who gave his support to the campaign.

He said: "The 1st Aldershot have always been a key part of the community of Aldershot and most specifically the North Town area.

"To let these historic buildings simply erode away would be a terrible thing. I hope you will join me in supporting 1st Aldershot's campaign."

If you can help the campaign, email fundraising@1staldershot.co.uk.

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