THE new community Guide and Scout Building on Soham’s Recreation Ground is up and running but money is still needed to complete the project.

The first phase of building was completed earlier this year but the next phase of the project, which will see the finishing touches to the hall as well as storage facilities added, is still in need of funding.

Money has already been received from the recent fire-fighters engine pull, which raised more than �1,000, and the Soham Beer Festival, which brought in more than �4,000, but more is still needed.

Peter Campbell-McBride, treasurer for Soham Scouts and Guides Hall Association, said: “We have had some tremendous support from the people of this community both from the heart and from the pocket and we are so grateful for that.

“We are on the home straight now, we need people to log on and help us finish the hall off. We just need that last push and when it is finished it will be to the benefit of the whole community.”

Mr Campbell-McBride said the association had raised more than �250,000 over four years through fund-raising and various community grants and said that just �10,000 was needed to complete the hall.

Though Scout and Guide groups are meeting in the hall, it is still in need of a new heating system before it is completed.

The building is used by more than 300 local youngsters every week, from Guides and Scouts to cadets and majorettes.

The local Scout and Guide groups have now applied to the NatWest bank, which is running a community grant scheme where the most popular project as a result of a public vote will receive funds.

The Guides and Scouts, with 163 votes, are running second to a cricket club in Peterborough and leaders are asking residents to add their votes to the cause to ensure they remain in with a fighting chance.

To add your vote, visit http://communityforce.natwest.com/project/2892.