The 4th Denton Scout Group has successfully paused the sale of a former nursery site in Denton, as they seek a permanent home for their troop of more than 100 young people. Tameside council had been marketing the former Stepping Stones Nursery on St Anne's Road, but following a campaign by the scout group, the sale has been halted.
Scout Group's Longstanding Presence in St Anne's Estate
The 4th Denton Scout Group has been serving the St Anne's estate since 1935, supporting generations of families. The group has been searching for a new base since leaving the St Anne's Church site. When they learned the council planned to sell the land, they launched a campaign to stop it.
Explorer leader Chris Dennis said: “The site has been vacant since Covid, so around the end of 2020. The long term goal is to have something, not just for the scouts, but the wider community as well. We got in touch with the council. I was surprised by the positive reception we got. They paused all marketing and waited for us to have a look at it.”
Current Challenges and Future Plans
The group currently meets at Tameside Wellness Centre but lacks outdoor space and storage for camping equipment. Dennis described the former nursery building as “a bit of a jungle” and unsuitable for younger members like Beavers. He added: “We would want to build something permanent there which could be a community asset. It would be closer to us as a St Anne’s estate troop and more convenient.”
The troop aims to create a space that aligns with the Scout movement's commitment to “a place to belong.” Dennis emphasized the need for proper outdoor space and a home of their own.
Next Steps and Council Response
The scout group will meet surveyors next week to assess the site's suitability. If it fits their needs, they will proceed with a bid to make it their permanent home. A Tameside council spokesperson said: “We’d like to thank the 4th Denton Scout Group for their interest in the former Stepping Stones site in St Anne’s Road in Denton and welcome the opportunity to engage with this further. We are arranging to meet with the group to discuss how we can progress their interests.”
The council had declared the site surplus after failing to re-let it following the previous tenant's departure. Marketing has been paused while discussions with the scout group continue.
