A last ditch flurry of votes helped secure a community's bid to revamp a derelict scout hut a second round place in a national competition.
The Old Basing Scout and Guide group bagged 612 votes for a chance to win a slice of Energyshare's £500,000 for community renewable energy schemes.
The group came in third out of 938 groups who entered, and join a 100 strong shortlist.
Organisers need £60,000 to renovate the unused hut off Milkingpen Lane, in Old Basing.
Andy Molloy, whose children are members of the Old Basing branch, said the team were hoping for the best. He said: “By generating the support that we did, we have got through to the second round which is a good step forward.
“Currently we are putting together our case to go before a panel of experts who will whittle down another shortlist.”
But he fears the cash bid could be scuppered by small print. While the first round counted all voters, second round voting will only be open to Energyshare customers. He said: “The problem is we can't go round canvassing people to support us like we did the first time. But that said, we did get so many supporters in the local community, which is outstanding.
“The help was so strong that we went from a standing start a week before the deadline to more than 600 by close of play.”
The group plan is to demolish the current building and relocate it on higher ground in the adjacent field. The hut was built more than 40 year ago but closed down in 2009 following flood damage. The building has been deemed beyond repair.
The club want to create a carbon neutral HQ named after the founder of the scout movement, Robert Baden-Powell.
Proposals for the new centre include energy efficient insulation, solar heating and renewable energy generation.
It is thought the project will cost up to £200,000, and the goup aim to apply for planning permission by September.
