AN AMBITIOUS fundraising campaign has been launched to save the 50-year-old Longridge Scout Boating Centre in Marlow.

To secure the centre's future for the next 50 years The New Longridge Consortium is planning to buy the freehold on the centre, at a cost of £1.5million over five years.

This followed the UK Scout Association's decision to charge rent on its leaseholds at scout centres nationwide to raise money for strategic scout projects.

Ross Faragher, consortium chairman, told the Free Press that he thought it would be a struggle, but was not an unrealistic goal.

He said: "We are confident we can raise the funds to secure the future of this unique centre for users from all over the county with the support of all the people the centre has touched over the years.

"We believe it is a place that has affected many people in a positive way and we are hopeful that they will support our campaign when they hear about what we are trying to achieve."

The backbone of the fundraising campaign is a Friends of Longridge website, which has been set up to receive donations of £20, £50 and £250.

Mr Faragher estimated that if 1,600 people per year made a £250 donation, the centre could raise half a million pounds, with a Government tax relief of Gift Aid.

The centre lies just outside Wycombe district, in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.

However, Wycombe District Council is aware of the difficulties facing the scout centre and recognises that young people who are members of local groups use the facilities.

The new consortium is eligible to apply for funding from the council but a grant is dependant on the number of district residents using the centre weighed against demands from other voluntary groups in the district.

The centre in Quarry Wood Road offers specialist courses in canoeing, kayaking, sailing and rowing as well as a place for scouts, guides and young people to camp and hone their outdoor survival skills.

The not-for-profit organisation has been operating for nearly 50 years and is run by a consortium of half a dozen residents, coaches and scout leaders, attracting around 30,000 visitors per year.

To find out more about the bid or to make a donation you can visit www.friendsoflongridge.org.uk