A SCOUT centre is celebrating after being handed £17,000 to replace one of its buildings which has been condemned, despite a number of repairs and modifications.

Belchamps Scout Centre, in Hockley, was awarded the cash £17,000 from SUEZ Communities Trust.

It will be used to replace the toilet block, situated on the campsite, in Holyoak Lane, with a new accessible purpose-built container block.

The old container will be re-sited and repurposed as a storage unit.

And thanks to kind fundraisers, volunteers will be able to renovate the unit themselves.

Michael Barrett, Operations Manager at Belchamps Scout Centre, said: “The grant received from the SUEZ Communities Trust will greatly benefit the youth organisations that visit our site, making their camping experience easier and more accessible.”

Marek Gordon, chairman of the trust, said: “SUEZ Communities Trust provides funding awards through the Landfill Communities Fund

“We were delighted to be able to offer funding to Belchamps Scout Centre.”

Belchamps Scout Centre opened in 1936, with the aim of providing young people with outdoor experiences along with scouting and guiding.

Since then, scouting and guiding have grown significantly and the site has enjoyed many years of creating lasting memories for young people from all walks of life.

Over the years the site has hosted all kinds of youth charities and organisations within its 30 acres of woodland, taking part in adventurous activities, or simply experiencing camping in the countryside for the first time.

SUEZ Communities Trust is an independent, not for profit funding organisation dedicated to making lasting improvements to community life and the natural environment.

To find out more about the trust and how to apply for grant funding, go to www.suezcommunitiestrust.org.uk.