IT HAS taken a decade to refurbish but a scout hut in St Albans now boasts a new face thanks to a generous donation from a local firm.

The 1st St Albans Scout Group has finally been able to complete the final stage of its �75,000 transformation of the Wadley Scout Hut in Watford Road.

Chairman Steve Lindsay said it was thanks to a �20,000 donation from Lafarge Aggregates and Concrete in Colney Heath that enabled the Scout group to complete the fourth and final phase.

It has taken 10 years to refurbish the 1960s wooden hut which now has a new roof, new windows and doors, oak floor, disabled access, a suite of toilets, washrooms and entrance foyer.

Steve said the hut was, “now a real asset for the whole community, not just the 1st St Albans Scout Group.

“Each week it’s used by a guitar and drum music school, a young children’s group called Totzsoca, a dog training class and from January 2013 we’ll have a pilates class.

“We also have a number of one-off functions and ensure we make the most of our assets holding auctions, bric-a-brac and book sales every few months and social fundraising quizzes.”

Their next project is to insulate the main hall walls and ceiling to make the building more energy efficient.

The group has used the hut since it was built in 1966. It is named after Jack Wadley, a group scout leader during the 1960s who was largely responsible for raising money and organising building of the then new hut.

Mike Pendock, southern regional planning and estates manager at Lafarge, said: “We are delighted that our grant provided the final piece of the jigsaw and enabled the group to press ahead with their much-needed improvement plans.”

To volunteer as a leader, or to join the group, phone Steve on 07775 544344 or visit www.firststalbansscouts.org.uk

* A new Scout unit has been organised in Harpenden to meet overwhelming demand for local children to join Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. The 5th Harpenden Scout Group meets at Batford Methodist church hall.