A fundraising campaign is about to take off.

Weymouth West Air Scout Group is launching a Crowdfunder to raise funds for an extension to its home in Granby Close.

The building, built in 1977, requires modernisation and is currently inaccessible to wheelchair users.

It needs a new toilet, shower facilities, a quiet space for young people with sensory issues, a private meeting space for parents and carers to meet with leaders, ramps for wheelchair users and storage space for the camping and activity equipment central to an active Scout Group.

John Naylor, one of the people who run the group, said: “In 1977 no thought was given to wheelchair access to the building, it wasn't an issue, today it is. In the intervening period Scouting has become fully inclusive, but the building has not.

“In the last couple of weeks we have negotiated a long lease on the property which has allowed us to start modernising. We have already installed new heating and a new kitchen.

“Plans have been drawn up and a planning application has been submitted. Our new lease does allow wider community use of the building, which we hope this scheme will enhance.

“We are now fundraising to extend the building, this will allow us to provide the new facilities desperately needed.

“The Crowdfunding campaign has a target of £10 000, part of which will be provided by Dorset CC if we can raise our contribution.

“Our young people will be working on their own fundraising campaigns over the coming months, as we need to raise substantially more than £10 000 to complete the project, more like £100 000.

“We need the support of our whole community, so we are reaching out to any former Scouts who remember their time here who would like to contribute, but also to everyone in the area.

“This is an important youth facility for the neighbourhood and needs to be made accessible to all, for today and the future.

“We are happy to explain our plans, and show the current building, with all its faults to anyone interested.”