A CAMPAIGN has been launched by 1st Fordingbridge Scouts to replace their leaking roof before the rain sets in.

Plastic buckets are placed strategically around the 55-year-old Round Hill building, which catch the rainfall that seeps through the decrepit roof when there is a heavy downpour.

Now group leaders say enough is enough and have launched a massive fund-raising project to raise £28,000 to replace the roof and have the building’s electrics rewired.

1st Fordingbridge Scout assistant group leader Tony Parker said: “We want our Scouts to have somewhere safe, warm and dry to attend their sessions.

“It is a very old roof and needs replacing. We will be applying for Lottery funding and will hold a number of activities to help raise the money we need.”

The group, which incorporates the Beavers, Cubs and Explorer Scouts, has 75 members and has been running from the Round Hill hall since 1959.

Already Scouts have been packing the bags of shoppers at the Tesco Extra Store in Salisbury and raised £200 towards the project.

Volunteer helper Sarah Godwin said: “We would like to thank Tesco for the opportunity to fundraise in store and for the generous donation which has taken us one step closer to our fundraising target.

“The new roof for the building will provide a safer and drier environment where all of our Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorer Scouts hold their meetings.

“We also plan all our camps and activities at the HQ and the new roof is vital to allow us to continue to do this for the young people of Fordingbridge”.

Tesco Extra store manager Ian Thirlwell said: “We really enjoyed having the Scouts at the store and we know our customers certainly appreciated the extra help with their packing.”