A £300,000 appeal has been launched to replace a Girl Guide centre in Kidlington, after the current building went past its “sell-by date” by 15 years.

Groups in the village launched the fundraising campaign at the annual village fete in Church Road on Saturday.

Plans are about to be submitted to Cherwell District Council for the building at Green Road, to replace a crumbling 1970s structure blighted by squirrels.

Youngsters have collected £30,000 from the likes of jazz evenings and car boot sales. Kidlington Townswomen’s Guild, the bowls club, Woodstock Rotary and the masons have also donated. Saturday’s event raised £1,234, and the push is now on to raise the bulk of the funding.

Fundraising committee chairman Amanda Weller said: “Our current Guide Centre was built in 1976 and was meant to last for about 20 years. It is well past its sell-by date. You can see daylight through the roof, and the squirrels now go all over it.”

“We have been raising money for three years, and have got the 10 per cent towards the project that will allow us to apply for some grants.”

Katie Parsons and Louise Akers, aged seven, joined friends from Kidlington Brownie group in running a tombola at the fete. Katie’s mum Nicola said: “They had a lovely day, despite the weather.”

There are 240 members of Girl Guiding groups in Kidlington, including Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Rangers and Trefoil Guides for the over-50s. They have been challenged to raise £10 each.

Plans for the new eco-friendly building were on display at an eco fair at Exeter Hall on Saturday.