THE Greig Centre was full to capacity when countless parents, residents and about 200 youngsters gathered as members of the Alcester Scout and Guide Association urged the audience to lend their support.

For many years, there have been concerns about the state of the facilities which existed for the town's Scout and Guide groups, so it was decided they should have joint headquarters.

Association members addressed concerned townsfolk on what moves were being made to find a suitable area of land to cater for the 400 or so Alcester children involved in the groups.

Association spokesman Gill Laughlin said: "We were absolutely thrilled with the turnout to the meeting, so many people in Alcester are concerned and care about what is going to happen.

"Councillors have listened to what we have to say and meetings are now being set up which should get us further in this matter.

"We will have to raise the money for building work but at the moment we feel this is the least of our concerns as there are grants available for this sort of thing.

"The most important thing is to find a suitable site which satisfies the requirements of everybody involved."

At a recent town council meeting, it was announced that Mayor Wendy Weatherhead and councillor Jim Kenyon would be travelling to Stratford on May 31 to discuss the matter with district council officers.

A district council spokesman said: "Possibilities are being looked at and we are asking landlords in the town to make it known if they have a suitable site."