AN 88-year-old “rusting” Guide hut in Beaconsfield could now be replaced after a council approved plans for a new £250,000 building.

The old Guide hut in Malthouse Square was built in 1922 and is “on its last legs”, with a rusting roof, poor catering facilities and no permanent disabled access.

Beaconsfield Girl Guides have already raised around £100,000 and are now determined to find the rest of the money for the project.

Morag Mason, the district commissioner, said: “Our girls will not be able to meet at the hut for much longer, nor can we offer it to other local groups.

“Obtaining planning permission means our girls are a step closer to getting a new, safe and modern building - Beaconsfield desperately needs it.

She said raising the money to pay for the new hut will be tough, but she hopes people in the town will lend their support.

More than 200 girls will use the new hut, which is to be built on the same site as the old one.

Alan Walters, chairman of the fundraising committee, said: “The new Guide hut will be a great social space which can be enjoyed by all in the community for many uses. Beaconsfield needs and deserves this community building.”

The fundraising campaign will be re-launched at the Guide hut on February 20 between 11am and 3pm.

This coincides with 'Thinking Day', when girls are encouraged to find out more about their counterparts around the world. Town Crier Dick Smith will be there to lend his support.

For more information on Girlguiding in Beaconsfield contact Morag Mason on 01494 680354, or to find out more about Beaconsfield New Guide Hut Fundraising Campaign, email Alan Walters at waltersalanm@aol.com