Charity launches funding bid in battle for premises

Buddies are facing challenges in their bid to relocate from Friars Vennel to 20 Castle Street, including the introduction of a lift at a cost of £8632 so that disabled members can access their club.
A statement from Buddies said: ìThe property we have found needs disabled access.
ìWe need to raise funds to buy and fit a Cama incline platform lift so our growing number of wheelchair using members can access their club with equality.
ìWe face the challenge of raising enough funds within a short space of time to enable us to do this.
ìWe are doing other fundraising to try to supplement this crowd fund appeal.î
Crowdfunding sees people pledge a sum towards a fundraising total, with no money taken unless that goal is reached.
Buddies say the lift will cost £8632 fitted plus VAT, but are looking to raise £2000 as a ëcontingency for any alterations to existing quoteí.
The charity are facing hurdles in their bid to redevelop the A-listed basement of 20 Castle Street as their new premises.
Planning permission is being sought to change its use from a hairdressers to form a non-residential institution, remove the existing fan-shaped external steps and introduce new steps, stairlift and fascia sign above the door.
But in a letter of objection to the local authority, Loreburn Community Council said: ìIn our view it would be detrimental to the listed building and to the conservation area to permit this alteration.î
And while Historic Scotland say they are ëcontent in principleí with the plans for the Georgian property, The Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland say they ëstrongly objectí.
Cases panel secretary Patricia Woodley said: ìThe proposal to remove the existing basement steps and replace them with a straight flight and a star lift would seriously detract from the appearance of the basement area and the front of the house.ì
The application has yet to be decided, but pledges towards the work gather pace at the website https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/buddiesdumfries