WORK on Alcester's new Guide and Scout headquarters looks set to start in the summer - despite being turned down for a lottery grant.

Campaigners have decided to apply for a £50,000 loan from the national Scout Organisation which, with the funds already raised, will allow them to build the superstructure on land in Moorfield Road with roof, doors, windows and security shutters.

The scheme will still need another £50,000 to complete, to cover the cost of materials and labour, which will be sought from sponsorship and donations from local authorities, businesses and charities.

Jeremy Howell, chairman of the joint committee (pictured), said: "While the lottery decision was a disappointment and had been time consuming, people expected us to at least try for a lottery grant. That is now out of the way.

"The Guides and Scouts now know it is down to their local efforts to make this happen and they have decided that the young people have waited long enough.

"We believe that when there is clear evidence that the project is under way, further substantial sponsorship will be forthcoming."

The committee was formed four years ago with a remit to create a permanent home for about 300 young people who belong to the two organisations.

Both Scouts and Guides have been made homeless in recent years when the Scout hut was destroyed in an arson attack and the former Guide hut demolished to make way for development.

The youngsters have been meeting in locations around the town.

The new headquarters will be built on land made available by the Moorfields Trust and a planning application has already been approved by Stratford District Council.

Fundraising will continue over the next few months and anyone wishing to make a donation can call Mr Howell on 01789 763849.