Dresden Scouts and Community Hall has received a major makeover thanks to a partnership between a local company and the city council.

The halls’ tired toilets – which were many years old and in need of modernisation - have been completely refurbished thanks to donation from Stoke-on-Trent based Wood Street Maintenance, working with

Andy Hart from Wood Street Maintenance, who donated the work as part of his contract with the city council’s Repairs and Maintenance Service, said, “When we were approached by Stoke-on-Trent City Council to assist in the renovations of the rest rooms at Dresden Scout Hall, we were more than happy to provide our services for such a worthy cause for the young people of Stoke on Trent. We are so pleased that this upgrade has made a positive difference to the Scout Hall and wish them well in their adventures.”

The hall is home to the Dresden Scout Group, part of the Three Towns Scouts. It is a vital community space where young people meet each week to learn new skills, take on challenges and build confidence through activities such as camping, hiking and canoeing.

Councillor Lilian Dodd, ward councillor for Dresden and Florence (including Goms Mill) at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said, “On behalf of myself and everyone involved in Dresden Scouts, I would like to send a huge thank you to Andy and his amazing staff at Wood Street Maintenance for the complete transformation of the toilets at Dresden Scout Hall. What started has a kind gesture to improve the toilets turned into a complete refurbishment, including plastering, new flooring, new sanitary wear, very nice vanity units, new doors, lighting and even included full decorating of the whole area. The team went above and beyond, their kindness and support will mean that Hall bookings will improve and the increase in revenue and will mean more activities for all our Cubs, Beavers and Scouts. We cannot thank Wood Street Maintenance enough.”

Councillor Chris Robinson, cabinet member for housing, planning, improvement and governance, said: “This is a brilliant example of how our Repairs and Maintenance Service works with local contractors to make a difference in our communities. The new facilities look fantastic and will make a real difference to the groups and families who use the hall.”

Rachel Forster is the City Council’s Corporate Responsibility Co-ordinator and worked with Wood Street Maintenance and the Hall Management to co-ordinate the refurbishments. She said, “we love to support community projects and are passionate about making a difference for the residents of Stoke-on-Trent. This very generous social value donation from Wood Street Maintenance has transformed the toilets and given it a much-needed makeover.”