AN MP supported a campaign to build a new scout hut in Hullbridge.

The First Hullbridge Scout Group had a stand at the Hullbridge regatta, organised by the Hullbridge Up River Yacht Club, and Mark Francois, Rayleigh and Wickford MP, stopped by.

The First Hullbridge Scouts have been campaigning for some time to raise money to build a new scout hut in the centre of Hullbridge and have raised £12,000 so far. It is hoped the new hut will start to be built next year.

Mr Francois said: “I have been dealing with the First Hullbridge Scouts for some time with regard to their efforts to build a new scout hut in Hullbridge and I am pleased to see that their fundraising efforts are now well into five figures. The project has been delayed somewhat by detailed discussions over the lease for the new building but I was pleased to hear that progress has been made over this key issue and that hopefully it might be possible to start building the hut in 2013.

“The scouts provide a marvellous opportunity for young people to learn about team work and adventurous training and I very much hope that this project will come to a successful conclusion.”