Thousands sign up to Scouts’ fight to save hut as developers move in

A PETITION which was launched to save 1st Skelmersdale Scout Hut is nearing 5,000 signatures.

As the Advertiser reported a few weeks ago, the hut is in danger of demolition as the land has been sold by Lancashire County Council, and Scout leader Charlie Cavaghan has been at the forefront of a campaign to ask LCC to think again.

Charlie said: “We have been inundated with support not just from local people in Skelmersdale, but far and wide.

“I have had people from across the North West contact me offering their support and telling me of the importance that scouting has had on their lives.

“I am truly overwhelmed at the amount of the signatures we have received.”

Skelmersdale West County Councillor Julie Gibson said: “We are asking LCC to reconsider the proposed entrance to the new development, to take it further along Barnes Road therefore saving the hut from being knocked down to accommodate access to the site.

“We have always been clear we are not against the development we would just like some consideration for the wonderful work that the scouts do.

“To lose their base will be a significant loss not just to the scouts but to the local community.

“This petition will be handed to the cabinet member for planning at LCC and then we intend to lobby West Lancashire Borough Council as the land has been designated for housing.

“We hope that both councils will look favourably on our petition and our request.”