Falmouth's Sea Scouts group which is currently "camping out" in temporary accommodation, has plans to build a brand new base at Trescobeas which will be made available for community use.

The proposals for the site next to the children's play area at the bottom of Lambs Lane, were brought before Falmouth councillors by two of the project's leaders last week who were looking for further support for the scheme.

The 6th Falmouth Sea Scouts were forced to vacate their previous headquarters at the old council rent office in Symons Hill when it became "not fit for purpose." The building was sold and the group, which caters for youngsters aged from five to 18, is now meeting at the Dracaena Centre, but has plans to create a purpose-built meeting.

"We are currently camping out at the Dracaena Centre and that is fine, but long term we would like our own place," said Ben Amos, a parent who is taking a lead in the project. "We have some money from the sale of the building and the proposal to develop this land came up.

"We would like to lease the land from you (the town council) and build a scout hut and if we get enough money we'd also like to build a boat storage area. We will fence the whole area because we would like to be able to use it for camping and games in the evenings.

"We see this as being a potential community resource, not just for the 6th Falmouth Sea Scouts but we would encourage local groups to join with us and use this site."

Councillors were told the group has already had interest from the police, the Lambs Lane and Ashfield Members' Association and the local MP and has received "nothing but positive feedback" from local residents.

Scout leader, Ian Cocklin added: "Right from the word go, we decided it had to be a community project. We want to make it available as surgery for yourselves and the police and the community as well. It will be a scouting activity centre and we have had interested from scouting groups from across Cornwall.

"We need to make sure it doesn't look like a prison, but if we are camping out with six-year-old children at night, we have to make sure it's secure."

The proposals were unanimously welcomed by councillors. Local ward member, David Saunby said: "I am fully supportive of it. It will enhance the area and I think it's a good idea."

Members were also told of plans to install a public toilet on land nearby which could be created as part of the project, but would be open for all to use during the day.