City youth groups are at risk of being left without a home if they are not able to replace their roof.  

The 44th Norwich Scouts' hut is the home of Beavers, Cubs and Scouts groups in Old Catton. 

Built in 1984, the roof of the Lodge Lane building has needed attention for many years.  

But now, the group's executive board says that a quick fix would only be a temporary solution to the problem and would end up costing more, so they are looking at replacing the roof as a whole.  

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Norwich Evening News: The building is used by Beaver, Cub and Scout groups The building is used by Beaver, Cub and Scout groups (Image: 44th Norwich Scout Group)

Rachael Claxton, who is on the executive board, said: “When the weather is bad, we know it will have a real impact on the internal building.  

“As well as this, the building was affected by Covid – we could not use the building for such a long time, and it definitely meant that the roof deteriorated.  

“We’ve been brushing it under the carpet for as long as we can, but now it is something we have to do – it's not dangerous but it will become dangerous.”  

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Norwich Evening News: The groups say they teach young people skills that they would not learn elsewhere The groups say they teach young people skills that they would not learn elsewhere (Image: 44th Norwich Scout Group)

But the biggest problem facing the team at the hut is that the roof is going to cost £75,000 to replace.  

Rachael said: “If we do not fix the roof, we would have to find somewhere else for four nights of the week.  

“And without the building, we would no longer have an income.”  

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Norwich Evening News: Rachael Claxton feels passionately as her son is a Beaver at the group Rachael Claxton feels passionately as her son is a Beaver at the group (Image: 44th Norwich Scout Group)

They plan to do lots of fundraising to help them reach their goal including a district duck race, loose change collections, bingo and car washes. 

Rachael added: “Old Catton is expanding with new homes, and we hope to be able to welcome new young people to the area into our clubs.  

Norwich Evening News: The 1984 building is in desperate need of a new roof The 1984 building is in desperate need of a new roof (Image: 44th Norwich Scout Group)

“We are grateful to those who have given significant donations and hope to continue to give young people life skills they will not learn anywhere else.” 

To donate to the new roof cause, email fundraising@oldcattonscouts.org.uk.

Norwich Evening News: There are more than 160 young people who currently attend the group There are more than 160 young people who currently attend the group (Image: 44th Norwich Scout Group)