DISUSED changing rooms that have lay empty for a decade are set to become a new scout base for a Kidderminster group.

The 9th Kidderminster (Spennells) Scout Group will unveil plans for their new base at Heronswood Play Area at Wyre Forest District Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on Thursday (September 6).

If the proposal is approved, the redundant changing rooms, currently owned by the council, will be demolished and replaced with a new community building.

Ward councillors and authority officers have been working with KD9 Scouts on the scheme and the group hopes to secure full funding from external grants in order to complete the scheme within two years.

Council Leader Marcus Hart said: “This is an excellent example of organisations coming together to improve local facilities for local people.

“The changing rooms are redundant and have been so for more than 10 years. I fully support the proposals for a commitment to clear the site and create a new building that would not only be available for the local scout group, but also for the local community.

“This is exactly what our Localism agenda is about. Working with local grass roots organisations to improve facilities on the ground for local people.

“The plan would be for Wyre Forest District Council to transfer the asset to the KD9 Scout group.”

Group Scout Leader Andrew Rawlinson said: "KD9 are pleased to be in discussion with the district council for a potential site on Spennells that could be used to provide a facility for our group and the wider community.

“We one of the few scout groups in Kidderminster district without our own base and this has led to scouts meeting at Rhydd Covert rather than Spennells where the majority of our scouts live."

Aggborough and Spennells ward councillor and chairman of the overview and scrutiny committee Helen Dyke added: “The local ward councillors have long wanted to see the old changing rooms redeveloped for community use.

“With this in mind we fully support the scheme which will give the local scout group a local home and create a brand new facility that hopefully can be shared with all the community."

After the scrutiny meeting, the issue will go to Cabinet, on Wednesday, September 19, for a final decision on disposing the site. The group’s proposal will then be subject to the normal planning process.