Bromley Cross Scouts building roof in 'critical' need of repair

The Eyrie located on Clay Street in Bromley Cross which is owned by the 6th Bolton 1st Eagley Scout Group desperately needs the work doing with the roof falling into disrepair due to age and vandalism.

Group Scout Leader,  Tony Steele, 59, says the roof needs to be re-slated as well as installing new gutters and rainwater pipes required.

He said the works need to be done with a ‘matter of urgency’ so groups including the Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Brownies, Girl Guides and Rangers can continue to meet in there.

Tony who has been involved with the Scout group for more than 40 years said: “We need to raise more than £25,000 to get the roof re-slated and get new gutters and rainwater pipes.

“And this is a matter of urgency and is critical as it is impacting how groups are run and we have three buckets out now collecting water drips.

“There are now three major leaks in the roof with buckets out below to collect the water when it rains, and this is hindering the use of the building by the local children who attend the various scout and guide meetings.

“The building was opened in the early 1980's but continued vandalism and the age of the roof has now made it uneconomical to keep repairing it every year, so we need to fundraise to get it properly repaired or replaced.

“It has been repaired previously a few times, but it is getting beyond repair now.

The Scout group with one of the buckets (Image: Tony Steele)“We have replaced old, damaged slates but it needs stripping completely and re-slating.

“To have it repaired will be really beneficial as it will allow us to keep the building open long term, children won’t have to avoid the buckets and it will enable us to keep the scouts and guides meeting there.

“We have applied for a '1st Eagley Scouts' JustGiving charity page to be set up but are still waiting for final approval from JustGiving.

“We are trying to get a couple of grants too, but the problem is some of the grants won’t provide money for the building maintenance.

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“We are asking the public for any help they can provide to keep the water out of our building.”

Lucy Edge, 29, a volunteer at the Girl Guides who uses the building, said girls develop skills for life and access to this building is vital for young people.

She said: “The building is more than 40 years old and over time it has gone into disrepair so now it is time for a new roof.

“At the moment there are buckets on the floor catching water.

“There are lots of different groups that use the space so to have a replaced roof would mean that these groups can continue to meet there for hopefully another 40 plus years.

“It has been in the community for a long time and there is a big family feel to it and it is an essential part to the community.

The building in need of repair (Image: Tony Steele)“This building is a safe space for children to attend meetings during the week where they can take part in a whole range of activities.

“The Girl Guides play games, take part in arts and crafts, and do some cooking and they really do look after the space.

“Some of the girls are picking up skills for life that they might not necessarily be learning at home, so they really do need this space.”

Tony and Lucy have set up a JustGiving page and are awaiting confirmation from JustGiving, once they have the fundraiser open, The Bolton News will share the link if people would like to donate.

Anyone who can help in the meantime should email 1steagleyscouts@gmail.com

If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at chloe.wilson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on X @chloewjourno.