A SALTNEY Scout leader said he was ‘overwhelmed’ after firms, councillors and community groups rallied round to help after his group’s base was ravaged by fire last month.

Airbus has stepped in to house all equipment from the Saltney Ferry Scout and Guide group, based in Bradshaw Avenue, in one of its Hawarden airfield storage hangars.

In addition, Saltney Town Council has waived the £3,000 fee to submit plans for a new headquarters to Flintshire County Council.

The popular group currently has a temporary base in the Brymau Industrial Estate and meets every evening except Tuesday.

Airbus Broughton plant manager Paul McKinlay said: “This incident was disastrous for the group but the effects were also felt in the wider community and among Airbus staff who live in the area.

“Hopefully our support and that of everyone else will help the Scout and Guide group overcome this hurdle and get the new premises they need.”

Group Scout leader Rob Benyon said: “We are grateful to Airbus for providing a home for our equipment which was taken everywhere after the fire. Thanks to Airbus, we will be able to get it all back in one place.

“We have been overwhelmed by the response from the individuals and businesses in the local community and hope with their support, we can get a new headquarters in place as soon as possible.

“The community centre is helping out and has been offering the use of its main hall as well.”