A WINCHESTER scout group has unveiled a six-figure vision for a new community hall for wider public use in a city suburb.

The 6th Winchester (Abbotts Barton and Hyde) Scout group outlined their £720,000 plans for land near Winchester City Football Club to city councillor on the town forum.

Sarah Bayley, scout leader, said the Barn Project would benefit not just the 13o young people but be a facility for the whole community.

The group has so far raised £16,000 for the redevelopment of city council-owned land off Hillier Way. Some of that money has gone on

Ms Bayley said: "Our quest for space was prompted by the extreme pressure on existing hall facilities in Winchester town which we found ourselves facing as the group expanded.

The Barn will provide the local community with a heart in an area of Winchester that has recently been troubled by anti-social behaviour and loss of community space.

It will enable 6th Winchester, using the Scouting ethos, to nurture future generations f confident, caring and community-minded young people who can go on to make a positive contribution to our society."

The plan involves two halls, a kitchen, storage, washrooms and a meeting space and a large outdoor area.

Twp consultations with the local community and a door-to-door survey have yielded a positive response said Ms Bayley.

She asked the town forum to support the scouts application for money for community infrastructure contributions, which is paid by developers when they secure planning permission for schemes.