A SCOUT group at the centre of a noise row has received a £1,000 boost from members of Selby Rotary Club.

Brayton Scouts and Guides last year launched a £10,000 appeal to fund soundproofing work at its Doncaster Road base and meet legal costs after losing an appeal against a noise abatement order served by Selby District Council.

The appeal hearing at Selby Magistrates' Court was the culmination of a long-running dispute involving Graham Betts, whose Mayfield Drive home is only about a metre from the Scout HQ at their nearest point.

Following years of complaints by Mr Betts about noise disturbance created by Scout and Guide activities, the council ordered the group to carry out work such as isolating the suspended wooden floor of the Scout HQ and fitting sound-deadening matting.

Rotary Club president Stewart Taperell said: "We feel the Scouts and Guides are a very worthwhile organisation and do a tremendous amount of good work among young people.

"We are always looking for ways to keep youngsters off the streets and out of trouble and the Scouts and Guides is one organisation that accomplishes that aim. The movement also gives its members sound guidelines for life."

Mr Taperell added: "Many Rotary Club members have experienced Scouting at first hand and were only too pleased to be of assistance.

We wish the Brayton Scouts and Guides well with their appeal as we feel it would be a tragedy if the headquarters had to close and over 200 children lost the opportunity to experience the benefits of Scouting and Guiding."

On Saturday, the Selby Round Table will hold a dance at Eggborough Power Station in aid of the group, which is now less than £1,000 short of the £10,000 total - with a number of events still in the pipeline.

Fundraising co-ordinator Karen Dilcock said: "We're nearly there and we've got until April to reach our target."

She said they would like to use any extra money to pay for improvements to facilities at the Scout HQ. "The car park needs doing, the roof needs doing - there are lots of jobs the money could be very well spent on."

* Last October, Brayton Scout & Guide Headquarters Committee lodged notice of a further appeal against the noise abatement order.

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