MOVES are being made to find a joint meeting ground for two thriving Alcester youth organisations which between them involve hundreds of youngsters, writes Helen Clarke.

For some time, organisers have been trying to find suitable accommodation for the town's Guide group.

Now Alcester Guide and Scout Headquarters committee has expressed hopes that a site should be found which would jointly accommodate both popular groups.

At present, the Guides are in a hut at the bottom of the Stratford Road and the Scouts are housed at the back of the Greig Centre.

But both buildings are felt by organisers to leave a great deal to be desired.

A meeting was due to take place today at the Greig Centre, where an appeal will be launched in an effort to gain a suitable plot of land for a base.

Mayor Eric Payne said: "The facilities for the Guides are really not good on their present site and there is not really much opportunity for them to be developed.

"To join forces seems like a really good plan and I think to get these youngsters better facilities would be something which would benefit everyone."

County Councillor Susan Juned said: "The Guide organisers have been looking for a suitable base for a long time now so I fully support this meeting where, hopefully, these ideas and plans can be moved forward."

A committee spokesman said: "The Guides and Scouts have joined forces to build a joint headquarters in the town.

"This meeting is intended to explain our plans to the parents and people of Alcester and to gain their support in pressing for a piece of land, with a suitable lease, on which we can build.

"We want people to come and hear about our plans and pledge support for the 400 young people and their leaders who play such a prominent part in our community."