November 8, 2018 2.33 pm This story is over 64 months old

Scouts to buy community sports site for £1

It will be their new HQ
Charles Street Recreational Ground. Photo: Google Streetview

A scouting group in Louth could be set to buy tennis courts, bowling green and  fishing facilities from East Lindsey District Council for just one pound.

A report before the authority’s executive recommends members approve the transfer of the Charles Street Recreation Ground to the Louth Scouts Community Centre Partnership, who want to use it as their headquarters.

The ground includes the tennis courts, a bowling green and a pond to the rear and is currently used by a local croquet club, Homestart Lincolnshire and a fishing club.

According to documents the plans include replacing the existing pavilion with a modern one.

“This will make the running costs more sustainable because the building and facilities will be more cost-effective and will be more attractive to be rented out to other users within the community,” says a report before leaders.

It outlines the scouting group’s business plan to spend around £240,000 on the building costs, and £14,000 on demolition.

It says the replacement facilities will create an “equivalent provision that helps meet the sporting/recreational needs of the district”.

ELDC has spent an average fo £2,795 per annum over the past five years on maintaining the ground but officers warned a survey due to be carried out could result in higher costs.

A comment has already been submitted in support by Councillor Pauline Watson, Louth Priory and St. James Ward, who said: “This is good news and reward for all the hard work that has been expended on this project so far.

“I look forward to the bringing to fruition of such a worthwhile Community Asset and I am happy to support and assist should it be required.”

It is currently partly leased to the Crown and Woolpack Angling Club and also Magna Vitae, with the latter agreeing to the termination of the contract.

SUBSCRIBE TO LOCAL DEMOCRACY WEEKLY, our exclusive email newsletter with highlights from coverage every week, as well as insights and analysis from our local democracy reporters.