GOOSTREY MP Fiona Bruce broke new ground to mark the start of building work to create a new Scout Hut and Youth Centre in the village.

Mrs Bruce performed the ground-breaking at the site of the old youth centre on Main Road, Goostrey, opposite the Crown Inn.

The event was attended by members of 1st Goostrey Scouts, Goostrey Guiding and their families.

Mrs Bruce dug the first sod of earth using an engraved spade, and unveiled a commemorative plaque with Peter Godfrey and Catherine McCubbin, chairman and vice-chairman respectively of Goostrey Parish Council, and 1st Goostrey Scouts Group Scout Leader David Giles.

The project, which is being supported by a £50,000 grant from WREN’s FCC Community Fund, will provide a much-needed place to meet for uniformed organisations and other youth groups, once it is open next year.

WREN’s grant was matched by a £50,000 donation from Goostrey Parish Council in addition to £100,000 raised by the community in the past two years.

David Giles said: “It’s fantastic to see our vision for this vital community facility moving closer to reality.

“We’re extremely grateful for the funding WREN and Goostrey Parish Council have given us, and are looking forward to having the building open for use next summer.

“We have appointed local building firm Knutsford Construction to build the facility, and work will start in earnest next month.”

Mrs Bruce said on Saturday: “I’m delighted to help 1st Goostrey Scouts to break ground today, and wish to congratulate the Scouts and the Goostrey community for having raised more than £100,000 in only two years towards this new Scout Hut and Youth Centre.

“I commend WREN for their generous £50,000 grant, and pay tribute to the foresight of Goostrey Parish Council in making a further matching £50,000 donation from the proceeds of sale for the adjacent building plot.”

Peter Godfrey said: “After valiant efforts by a number of groups over the years to create a new youth facility in the village, the parish council is delighted to have been able to support the Scouts to bring this project to fruition by gifting the land to them and by this additional donation towards the building cost.

“I am sure when it is completed the new Scout Hut and Youth Centre will benefit the whole community, and will be widely used by Goostrey residents for many years to come.

“The parish council congratulates the Scouts on their effective and energetic fundraising campaign and thanks all sections of the community for their involvement and generosity.''

Richard Smith, WREN’s grant manager for Cheshire said: “We’re delighted to be supporting such a worthwhile project and look forward to it benefitting young people across the area.”

David Giles added: “It has been such an honour to be involved in a project which is supported by so many members of our community, across all age groups, who have come together to help raise funds to build this new facility.

“The community involvement has been truly inspiring. So many people have given up their time to help with this project, and have helped at our fundraising events, and I am especially grateful to the dedicated and loyal Scouting team in Goostrey who have worked so hard to make this project a reality.

“The new Scout Hut and Youth Centre will be a fitting legacy for the hard work and commitment of those involved in the project and will also act, I hope, as a reminder and example to the young people of Goostrey of what can be achieved through team work.”

To donate to the project visit mydonate.bt.com/charities/1stgoostreyscoutgroup