The 3rd Blantyre Scout Group (3rdBSG) is seeking support from the local community in a bid to take control of a hall which has been designated for closure by South Lanarkshire Council.
Currently the Scout group operate from their own hall, which has been their base for over 40 years. However, due to changes within the Church of Scotland, the long-term future of the hall cannot be guaranteed. The Scout group have over 100 members and support other community groups who operate from their hall.
As a result of these changes, the Scout group need to move and are trying to acquire a hall that will be owned by the community to secure a Scout group base for future generations of the town. 3rd BSG is hoping to take over the unused High Blantyre Cemetery Hall as part of a Community Asset Transfer from South Lanarkshire Council.
As part of their application, the group is asking local people to take part in a survey to share their views on the potential future use of the hall. Chris McCrory is the Group Scout Leader of 3rdBSG and says the stronger the response to the survey, the stronger their application will be and the higher their chances of success. Chris said, “Sadly, we’re seeing a trend developing across the country in the closure of community halls. That’s a trend that can be reversed by local communities taking over ownership and accessing funding that’s not available to local councils to retain and improve these facilities. We have a lot of skill and experience within our management committee and we’re confident that we can achieve and make a success of this, but we do need support from the community. That’s why we’re asking local people to complete the survey and to encourage their families, friends, and neighbours to do the same.”
Support the Blantyre Scouts in their efforts. The survey is now open and can be completed online via the attached link https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MLGPCBW
Or by clicking on the Groups Facebook page or the QR code within the graphics. Hard copy surveys can be picked up at Blantyre Sports Centre, Blantyre Library or by calling or texting 07551 439622. Return envelopes will be provided.
Chris added, “As we do in our current hall, we are also keen to encourage a range of groups and organisations to use the facility and would ask anyone interested to please get in touch.”
Contact details:
Email: christophermccrory@yahoo.co.uk
Phone: 07551439622
