Weston Point Scout Group – which has served youngsters for almost a century – is to get a much-needed makeover thanks to a grant from Viridor.
Viridor, which operates the nearby Energy Recovery Facility (ERF) in Runcorn, has awarded the Scout group, which caters for Runcorn and Weston, more than £11,000.
Cash will be used to make major improvements to their ageing headquarters, as well as buying new camping kit for use by the group’s 50-plus Scouts.
The Scout group has helped thousands of local children and young people develop core life skills with Scouts currently ranging from the ages of four to 18 at the Weston Road-based HQ. But the historic building has started to show signs of wear and tear.
The donation from Viridor’s We Share Community Fund, will help the Scout group make major improvements including installing new carpets and energy-efficient LED lighting as well as creating and furnishing a separate, calming space for children and young people on the neurodivergent spectrum.
As well as the HQ improvements, the cash will pay for new camping equipment.
John Frodsham, a trustee of Weston Point Scout Group, said: “Everybody at the Weston Point Scout Group is incredibly grateful to Viridor for its generous donation. These improvements will have a long-lasting impact on our group and on our community as a whole.
“The improvements we’re able to make to our HQ thanks to Viridor’s funding will modernise it, make it more inclusive and create a facility that can be enjoyed by everyone. Once the works are complete, we plan to open up the building for wider use so it can ultimately become a resource for the local community.”
Darren Bolton, plant manager at Viridor’s Runcorn ERF facility, added: “Our facility is a significant local employer and through our teams, we have strong links with the local community so we’re thrilled that we have been able to support the Weston Point Scouts in this way. Their volunteers do such a brilliant job working with young people and helping them develop key life skills, and these improvements to their HQ will mean they can continue their good work for decades to come.”
Operational since 2014, Viridor’s facility at Runcorn is one of the largest ERFs in the UK. Treating almost a million tonnes of non-recyclable waste each year, which arrives by both rail and road, the ERF generates enough electricity to power the equivalent of more than 154,500 homes each year.
To find out more about the We Share Community Fund, including eligibility criteria and how to access application forms, email [email protected]
