A £300,000 bid to replace the village’s Girl Guide building is struggling, prompting a renewed call for public support.

The five-year campaign has so far raised £75,000 as leaders battle to win major grants from national charities. The organisation says replacing the 1970s Green Street building is essential to provide space and modern facilities for about 250 girls.

Kidlington Girlguiding Commissioner Nette Clarke – who oversees 11 groups for guides aged from five to 25 – said: “It is not going as well as we planned. We have certainly not had replies from lots of charities we have applied to.

“The focus of charitable giving for the last couple of years has been sport, with a focus on the Olympic Games.”

Contributors include the PF Charitable Trust and The Red Hill Trust, but just seven of about 50 other groups applied to in Oxfordshire had provided grants.

Grant-giving bodies say demand has risen as charities are hit by a drop in public support from recession-hit donors.

Now, Mrs Clarke said, leaders were “upping our game” and approaching larger organisations such as the Warburtons Trust and European Commission.

Mrs Clarke said: “The village has been absolutely amazing but the donations have been been in the hundreds rather than thousands.”

Future events include a £10 Zumbathon dance session on November 16 and a contest to design a £10 badge for next year.

Replacing the building was vital, she said.

“It is falling to pieces. It is a prefab building put up in the 1970s, with a shelf life of 25 years and it is now 40 years old.

“It is getting very old and tired. It is not heating-friendly; it costs a fortune to keep up. It could go on for another few years.”

It currently has a hall, small room and kitchen and its replacement will have a hall, two or three meeting rooms and a larger kitchen.

Mrs Clarke said. “Girlguiding is an excellent vehicle for young girls; it gives them confidence;it develops them into caring citizens. Come and support the Guides.”

The campaign is leading a public vote to win £5,000 from Kumho Tyres. It is to give out £100,000 to good causes.

Becky Hinton, leader of the 3rd Kidlington Brownies, said: “I have been bombarding everyone and anyone.”

s For information visit girlguidingkidlington.org.uk.