Five-star housebuilder Persimmon Homes Essex has delivered a financial boost to an Ongar Scout group as they prepare to start a major overhaul of their HQ.
The 3rd Ongar Scout Group meets in a wooden hut off Love Lane in the town that is a remnant from World War 1 and is now in a dilapidated state.
Leaders and the young members have been fundraising for several years to undertake a rebuild and they are now in a position to be able to start their exciting renovation.
Persimmon Homes Essex have recently been granted planning permission to build 129 new homes in Ongar, including 13 shared ownership properties and 39 homes for below market rent, and is keen to work with the local community to create a lasting legacy in the town.
They have donated £1,000 to add to the funds already raised by the dedicated leaders and have also pledged to support with materials as the build progresses.
The first stage will see the single-skin brick lobby and toilet area replaced to modernise the facilities and make the building more accessible and welcoming.
Lisa Portman, a volunteer with the group, said: “We want to offer this space to the wider community because it is safe with lots of outdoor space but in its current form it is not suitable. Thank you to Persimmon for this grant which will kick start the work we need to do.”
Richard Hush, Managing Director of Persimmon Homes Essex, said: “When we heard that the Scout Hut was in dire need of refurbishment we were keen to step in. We will be ordering new toilets, basins and taps for this first stage of the rebuild and can supply building materials such as bricks and tiles as the project progresses.
“We will be moving onto our site north of Chelmsford Road early next year and we want to ensure that we create a lasting legacy here in Ongar. One way we can do that is by supporting the community with projects like this.”
Cllr Jason Gunn, Leader of Ongar Town Council, visited the Scout Hut for the cheque presentation and to hear about the groups’ plans to turn the hall into a valuable community asset.
Persimmon Homes runs the Community Champions scheme to offer funding to worthy causes in the areas it is building. Schools, sporting groups, charities and voluntary organisations are all welcome to apply for grants which are awarded each quarter.
