A 30-YEAR saga ended with victory for Settle scouts, as they took over the running of the town's drill hall.

Years of research have gone into the battle, in a bid to find out who owns the building which stands at the foot of Castleberg.

Despite painstaking inquiries, leaders felt they were going round in circles and as the decades passed the condition of the hall deteriorated.

However, solicitors finally agreed the scouts had adverse possession and could claim the building so it can be refurbished for the community.

Built in 1864 by wealthy benefactor Walter Morrison, of Tarn House, Malham, the drill hall was to be used by uniformed organisations within the community.

Over the years the hall has had many diverse uses, becoming home to the Territorial Army, St John Ambulance, cubs and scouts as well as a venue for dances, band practice, judo and craft workshops.

Former Settle High School teacher Peter Huby made two films there.

In 1967 the hall became the headquarters of the 1st Castleberg (Settle) Scouts.

Well known Settle personalities Ken Jelley and Jim Nelson were scout leader and district commissioner respectively, while Gordon Harper served as cub leader.

Five years ago the group formed a beaver colony for six to eight-year-olds, but because of the dilapidated state of the drill hall they had to be based on alternative premises.

Now beavers, cubs and scouts - 63 children in all - will be united under one roof.

Group executive member, Anne Foster, told the Herald: "We have been trying for years and years, for as long as we can remember, to get this. The problems with the drill hall have caused us to nearly lose the scout group so many times.

"Thanks must go to everyone who over the years has helped. We have reached our goal. We hope this fine building nestling under Castleberg Rock, once restored, will be used not only by the Scout Group but the whole community.

"It has great potential. The younger generations have very few facilities in Settle. A table tennis league has recently started using the Drill Hall and is just one example of a wide range of activities that could benefit from the Drill Hall's refurbishment."

New toilets and heating have just been installed and work to repair the roof and gutters is about to start. However, this work will exhaust the group's funds and fundraising is now a priority.

Repairs also need to be made to interior walls where plaster has fallen off, rubble is falling into the building and there are no kitchen facilities.

Anne said: "We estimate the work will cost around £80,000 and would appreciate any assistance by members of the community who think they can help in any way at all, be it, donations, manpower, building advice or local tradesmen offering help."

Anyone who can assist is asked to contact Anne on 01729 823435 or e-mail annefoster@talk21.com