Cash appeal to improve hostel

The YHA suffered a drop in visitors in 2001

A campaign is raising cash for improvements at Borrowdale Youth Hostel in Cumbria.

The Youth Hostels Association (YHA) plans to improve the building by providing new facilities, including better access for disabled people.

It is hoped that £150,000 can be raised for the work.

On Wednesday the appeal was opened by Norman Croucher, who has scaled some of the world's highest peaks despite the loss of both legs in an accident as a teenager.

'Real asset'

By the start of the new Youth Hostelling season in March 2003, guests with disabilities should be able to enjoy an unassisted stay in the hostel.

Two specially-adapted bedrooms will be created, with new toilet, shower and kitchens installed and access to all ground floor facilities.

A new multi-purpose resource centre will be built, providing a venue for recreation, training and meetings for guests and local residents.

YHA vice-chairman Chris Darmon said: "This project will make YHA Borrowdale not just a great place to stay but a real asset for the local community.

Hostels closed

"Each year, about 17,000 people stay at the youth hostel, which is a recommended stop along two of the country's most popular national walking trails.

"We hope for many more as a result of these planned improvements."

The YHA suffered a £5m loss after having to close hostels to visitors during the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in 2001.

The association, which has 230 hostels across England and Wales, had to sell 10 of its hostels to raise cash.