PEOPLE have been urged to rally round to raise money for a new community building in Crosland Moor.

Organisers say the building - to replace the crumbling Scout headquarters on Moorside Avenue - will be ideal for community and disabled groups.

A £300,000 lottery grant has been promised, on condition that fundraisers find a further £175,000 to make the project happen.

That fundraising is now under way, but more people need to get involved.

The old Scout headquarters was built 50 years ago for under £2,000 by Scouts, parents, friends and tradesmen in the area who rallied round.

The £300,000 grant was made to the 43rd Huddersfield Crosland Moor Scout Group by the Big Lottery Fund.

Assistant Group Scout Leader, Geoff Ellis - who has been involved with the group for over 50 years and played a big part in securing the funding - said: "The fundraising has now started and we are appealing for individuals and companies to buy a brick for at least £20.

"All those who help in this way will have their names featured on a plaque in the building once it is constructed."

A 100 Club lottery with a monthly draw has also been set up.

Bids have been submitted to charitable foundations, too.

Scouts are filling empty plastic milk bottles with their spare change, but

Mr Ellis appealed for people to come up with their own fundraising schemes.

He added: "The new building will benefit the wider community."

The new facilities will include a large hall, a meeting room so two groups will be able to meet at the same time, a resource room and plenty of storage space.

The centre is designed to be fully accessible for wheelchair users and it is also hoped there will be a play area suitable for people with disabilities.

Mr Ellis said a number of groups had already shown an interest in using the new headquarters including the University of the Third Age and the Kirklees Children With A Disability Team.

A history of the Scouts is now available on CD and money from that will go to the building fund.

Anyone who can help should write to 43rd Huddersfield Scout Group, c/o The County Office, Bradley Wood Scout Camp, Shepherds Thorn Lane, Brighouse HD6 3TU.