SALTASH Scouts are seeking funds to help them build a brand new headquarters to replace their present building, which is unable to hold their increasing numbers and activities.

The Scouts have planning permission to demolish their present headquarters, in Windsor Lane, and re-build on the same site. The plan includes dropping the foundations to road level, and having a first floor. Neighbours have been consulted, but the resulting building should not be much higher than the one there at present.

It is expected the new HQ will cost around £75,000, and the Scout executive committee is currently seeking grants to help finance the project.

The present building was opened in May l962 by Sir John Carew Pole after a parents' group committee, formed with chairman Godfrey Steed, raised nearly £1,000, with a grant of £125 from Scout headquarters in London. They began the building by supplying voluntary labour. Previously the Scouts had met in a dilapidated building which became so dangerous the lady cubmasters of the time went 'on strike' to draw attention to the problems.

In his annual report the current group Scout leader, Len Maddock, said there are 34 Beavers, 44 Cub Scouts, 46 Scouts, five Venture Scouts, 16 warranted Leaders and seven helpers. Executive committee chairman is John White, with Tony Dell as treasurer and Roy Barnes secretary.

There is a five-year deadline for work on the building to begin. Therefore, fundraising has started, and a donkey derby postponed due to the foot and mouth crisis is to be held at Kimberley Stadium on July 22.

The new building plans have been drawn up by Stephen Hunkin, architectural technician, whose father Mr R Hunkin was chairman when the present building was opened. Both Stephen and his brother Peter (head teacher of Burraton CP school) were Saltash scouts.

The current building has served the Scout Movement for 40 years.

In his report Mr Maddock also said Alan Tucker, leader of Essa Scout troop, has just been awarded the Scout medal of merit, one of the Movement's highest awards.