A group of eager scouts joined a team of construction workers to complete an SOS repair job.
Members of 5th Birtley Scout Group and an army of volunteers added the final lick of paint to the restoration project.
It was after hearing how a series of break-ins and mindless vandalism had caused over £5,000 worth of damage to the hut, that Linden Homes – Galliford Try’s housebuilding division – stepped in.
The company, which is building the nearby Aspens development, contacted its suppliers and sub-contractors to see if they would ‘be prepared’ to help the scouts. And there was no shortage of willing volunteers.
Workers from Springs Roofing, based in Kimblesworth, replaced the hut’s leaking flat roof – using scaffolding provided by ISL Scaffolding, from Birtley. Edwards and Bowers, of Seaham, replaced external cladding – with plywood donated by Jewson’s of Stockton – and undertook joinery work for replacement doors, which were provided by Arnold Laver’s Hebburn site. Steelcraft, based in Chester-le-Street, provided steel plates for the access doors with all door fittings supplied by Ironmonger Tony Kears from Lloyd Worral, of Newcastle. Electricians BA Electrical, from Cramlington, installed new light fittings and F Southern Decorators, based in Blyth, re-painted the hut inside and out, with help from volunteers – including Linden Homes and Galliford Try employees.
James Heron, Scout Leader, said: “We are really thankful to Linden Homes and their partners, for how much they have been able to help us. Closer inspection of the damage caused by the vandals, uncovered other areas which needed attention and the renovation team have put these right as well. The hut is now much more secure and looks fantastic. It was great for our young people to be able to get involved in adding the finishing touches.”
Abi Reid, Marketing and Sales Co-ordinator with Linden Homes, said: “This has been a terrific project to be involved with and it’s great to see so many happy smiling faces. We are always looking at ways to support the communities in which we build and helping a group which offers so many exciting activities for local young people, has been a real honour.”
“We’ve seen a host of new families move into homes at The Aspens, so there could well be a number of new members joining the Scout Group in the coming months and years.”