We handed over a £3,000 cheque to Scouts in Ash Vale as work got underway on their new purpose-built headquarters.

The former Ash Vale Scout HQ, opened in 1965, was demolished at the start of summer, ready to make way for a modern, purpose-built HQ and Community Wellbeing Meeting Place that will be available to groups during the day and used for Scouting and Guiding activities after school.

Leaders, trustees, parents and young members have spent years raising funds for this major building project and with the support of a ‘Your Fund Surrey’ Grant they have now started the build. Their focus now is on equipping the new building.

Recognising their dedication, the Thames Valley business donated £3,000 towards furniture and equipment through their Community Champions fund, designed to create a legacy in the areas in which we are building.

We have planning permission for 68 new homes in Foreman Road, Ash, including 27 for shared ownership and below market rent.

Presenting the cheque to members, Laura Jackson, Head of Planning for Persimmon Thames Valley, said: “It is an honour to be able to offer this additional funding and help the dedicated members of this Scout group to realise their vision of creating a new hub for the whole community here in Ash.”

Malcolm Simpson, Trustee and Project Lead for 1st Ash Vale Scouts, said: “We are very grateful to Persimmon Homes for this additional funding. Our new hub will be right at the heart of our community.

“It will provide first-class facilities for over 140 young people that meet every week and be a hub for our whole community, supporting physical and mental wellbeing and tackling issues such as isolation and loneliness.

Cllr Richard Lucas and Cllr Carla Morson, Guildford Borough Council members representing Ash Vale ward attended the presentation and Cllr Lucas said: “It is wonderful to see Persimmon supporting our community and offering funding for this project that the Scouts have worked so hard to bring to fruition.”

Cllr Fiona White, Chair of Ash Parish Council and Guildford Borough Council’s Lead Member for Planning, added: 1st Ash Vale Scouts give opportunities for young people to explore many new activities and they play an important role in our community. Their new Scout Hut is an exciting project and the funds from Persimmon will be put to good use.”