Scouts receive Big Lottery funding

Young people in New Ash Green have received a boost after £6,000 of National Lottery Funding was granted to Ash Green Scouts to be invested in the Youth Centre.

The money will be spent on fencing around New Ash Green’s Youth Centre, in Meadow Lane where the group meets.

Alan Gordon, speaking on behalf of the group said; “We are very pleased to have this funding, thanks to Emma Jane Jones, Group Executive Committee Chair, who applied for it some months ago.”

More than 80 projects across the South East shared a donation a £1.4million donation from the Big Lottery Fund.

The grant was made as part of the fund’s Awards for All Programme, which offers grants between £300 and £10,000 to voluntary and community organisations.

Alan Gordon, continued: “We’re absolutely delighted, providing additional fencing means we can have an outside playing area without the danger of children going into the main road.

“Scouting is all about being outdoors, now once the fencing is erected, children will be able to go outdoors and practice pitching tents and all sorts of scouting activities.

“The funding means we can also spend money sound proofing the interior of the centre. The accoustics in the centre were less than ideal making it difficult for our leaders and children.”

Not only will the Scout Group who meet in the Youth Centre three times a week benefit - there are two other youth clubs who meet there, as well as a nursery school and a dance school. All will enjoy the enhanced facilities - as will all the other hirers.

Lyn Cole, Big Lottery Fund’s England grant making director said: “At the heart of the organisations receiving funding today is their ability to support communities, deliver positive changes and help so many people make a real difference to their lives.”