Alisdair Connell, leader of Johnstone Scout Group, needs to raise £25,000 in less than 50 days for repairs on the urgent removal of the building’s asbestos roof.

This week he made a desperate appeal for the Johnstone community to vote to help the group win a grant to carry out the work and increase the safety of the hall.

“We have an asbestos roof which urgently needs to be removed,” Alisdair told The Gazette.

“The main point is that there is new European legislation coming in soon which will force us to remove the roof. The entire roof is leaking badly and needs to be totally replaced.

“It contains asbestos which is adding to the cost of replacing it as this needs to be removed and disposed of by a specialist to keep the hall safe.” Asbestos is the single greatest cause of work-related deaths in the UK as the prolonged inhalation of its fibres can cause serious illnesses, including lung cancer.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (GGC) has said tests have confirmed no one is at risk unless the asbestos is disturbed.

Plans are currently under way for Johnstone’s air training corps and air cadet force to merge in a brand new building in the town.

The move will also mean they will be on the same site as Johnstone’s Scout Group and Silver Band – helping to increase the proximity of the groups as well as security.

Alisdair said: “Obviously the Army Cadets are currently getting a brand new hall, site clearance has begun with work expected to complete on that in August.

“But, to be honest, this is going to leave the site with a brand new pristine building then the scout hall, which will be left to look like an old shack.” The scout leader said he hopes the new development will give them “peace of mind” after the group endured a series of terrifying incidents during summer last year.

The Gazette reported in June how a gang of armed thugs threatened to brutally attack the young scouts who were enjoying a sleepover in their Campbell Street hut.

“The great thing is that the fact we are all on one site with more security which might deter any thieves in future,” Alisdair continued.

“However, Johnstone Scout Group is now at desperate stages to have the roof renovated, which will cost around £25,000 to fix. If we fail on getting enough votes to be awarded the grant then I’m looking at having to fundraise roughly the money myself.

“We are competing UK-wide for the four potential grants from EMA, so there’s a lot of organisations competing. If we get the grant it will mean we can not only replace the roof, but also paint the building to make it look more in keeping with the new army building.” To vote visit www.engagemutual.com/foundation/projects/johnstone-1st3rd-scout-group/ Voting end next month with winners announced in June. They are also looking for donations to help with the general maintenance.

If anyone is able to donate they are being asked to email johnstonescouts@hotmail.com.