Woodmill Outdoor Centre says its future is at risk and has started a crowdfunder after discovering the “catastrophic failure” of its septic tank.
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It was announced the activity centre was to be transferred from Southampton City Council to the Scouts last year, with Southern Water acquiring the freehold to the site
Although the Scouts have taken over the site, the sale has reportedly not yet been finalised.
The centre reported this week that its septic system failed in October forcing it to close all toilets and showers.
It said that while it planned for a repair this month, contractors discovered “a catastrophic, historic failure of the entire treatment plant – an issue dating back years before we even took over Woodmill.”
“With our peak season just weeks away, hundreds of school, youth, and Scout bookings are now in immediate jeopardy,” said the centre.
It said a full replacement is expected to cost more than £120,000 and take at least a year to complete.
Portaloos have been hired so the centre can continue welcoming scout groups, school bookings and other charities. The centre hopes a temporary tank will allow use of toilets and kitchen as normal
It said the final stage of the solution would be to replace the system or install a mains connection.
Meanwhile the centre has launched an appeal to go directly towards repairs, at https://woodmill.org.uk/save-woodmill