MP joins campaign to save Girlguiding outdoor activity centre

Local MP Tim Farron has written to the Education Secretary Gillian Keegan, urging her department to intervene over plans to close an outdoor centre which provides activities for girlguiding groups from Cumbria.

Girlguiding UK has announced plans to close all five of its activity centres at the end of 2023. More than 25,000 people have signed a petition against the plans, which would see the loss of Waddow Hall in Lancashire.

In his letter to the Secretary of State for Education, Tim said: "These historic sites have been part of Girlguiding for more than a century and offer a wide range of activities. They also host national and international Girlguiding events and camps.

"Waddow Hall serves Girlguiding groups from Cumbria, Lancashire and beyond, giving them incredible experiences which have done wonders for their confidence, mental health, teambuilding, and helped to create memories which will last a lifetime.

"The importance of outdoor activity centres such as Waddow Hall for the development of young people cannot be overstated.

"Therefore please will you commit the Government to looking at what support you can give Girlguiding UK so they can keep these treasured centres open for young girls to enjoy for decades to come?"