SCOUTS in need of a new home have had their plans to replace their dilapidated hut with a new brick building approved.

The first Theydon Garnon Scouts have been in their current home in Flux's Lane, Epping since 1965.

At a Epping Forest District Council meeting last night (Wednesday September 2) they were given the green light to go ahead with plans to knock it down and build a new brick main room, and a smaller community-use room.

Residents had objected over fears that the community use rooms would bring noise and anti-social behaviour.

But, the decision is good news for the 60-strong group who have a waiting list of children, but needed bigger premises.

Troupe leader Trevor King said everyone was very excited by the news, especially the youngsters, who all attended the planning meeting.

He said: "The chairman of the planning committee said he'd never seen so many young faces at a planning meeting, we think the councillors were a bit won over by them.

"They put a few restrictions on us in response to the letters of opposition they'd had but we can live with that, it's not our aim to upset any of our neighbours.

"The hardest part begins now, we think it's going to cost over £500,000 so we've got a long fundraising drive ahead of us. That's a lot of odd jobs."

If you think you can help the scouts raise enough cash for their hall call 07724 156 595.