FUNDRAISRS HIT BY FIASCO

The 4th Melton Scout Group, aided by the town's Phoenix Lions Club, has been planning the Scottish-themed evening for months to kick-off its 2006 fundraising for a new scout hut appeal.

But now – only a couple of weeks away from the Robbie Burns themed fundraiser – they have been told it can't be held at the 400-capacity exhibition hall.

The event, set for Saturday, January 28, has had to be switched because essential roofing work on the hall has been delayed.

Instead, it will now be held in Melton Council's much smaller chambers – vastly reducing the amount they hoped to raise.

Phoenix Lions fundraising chairman Linda Eatherington said: "To get this bombshell so close to the event is really hard to swallow.

"It was meant to be a major fundraiser but now we're going to have lower numbers which will mean less money on the door and less money from the raffle."

Mrs Eatherington said Melton Market Partnership had offered to help with the reorganising of the event including meeting any extra expenses incurred.

"We appreciate what they're doing but this has caused us one hell of a headache," she added.

Scout leader Barbara Fraser added: "We booked the Market Tavern early last year. The first time I heard the venue had to be changed was on Monday afternoon.

"This has really knocked us for six. It's like someone has smacked us in the face. We now have to write to everyone and tell them the venue has changed."

Within a day of the bad news organisers managed to elist the help of the Royal Horseshoes at Waltham to run the bar and Food For Thought in Melton to provide the catering.

Managing partner of the Melton Market Partnership, Simon Allam, said: "We are in the process of carrying out improvements to the roof to enable soundproofing work to take place.

"Around Christmas time we had an enforcement notice served on us to get the work done. Unless it is completed we are unable to operate.

"Initially we were under the impression the contractors could complete the work by mid-January. Because of supply problems that won't be possible and therefore we have had to cancel events."

He added: "We did warn them there could be a problem before Christmas but it wasn't until we returned after the break we got to know there were problems with the supply of roofing materials.

"All we can do is apologise to the people who have been let down."

Mr Allam said two private parties due to be held in the exhibition hall had also been rescheduled as a result of the delay.

Work is set to start next week and is expected to last three to four weeks.

* The 4th Melton Scouts are looking to raise about 300,000 for their new scout hut. The group, which has already raised several thousands of pounds, has also applied for Lottery funding and is exploring other funding avenues.

The current scout hut, off the Wilton Road car park, is in a bad state of repair and has been broken into several times.

Tickets for the event cost 25 and are available from Mrs Fraser on (01664) 563440 or Mrs Eatherington on (01664) 859729.

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