Don't put Scouts at risk, say parents (From Gazette Series)

Don't put Scouts at risk, say parents

PARENTS in Dursley have hit out at a development firm for jeopardising the safety of young Scouts.

They claimed this week that Crest Nicholson is putting the safety of teenage boys and children as young as six at risk by building a block of two and three-storey flats overlooking the Scout hut at the former Bymacks site.

Paul Denney, chairman of the First Dursley Scout Group, said the development could pose a threat to Cubs and Scouts if "unsavoury characters" buy the new properties.

He said: "We're worried about the flats overlooking us - unfortunately there are some unsavoury characters about."

The youngsters regularly use the hut for sleepovers and to play in the area outside.

Mr Denney added: "We totally back the redevelopment of Dursley but this is a real concern. The plans are being drawn without our consultation and really effect the future of the group."

Mr Denney's concerns have received the support of parents from the group including Lynn James, who told the Gazette she was concerned for her son's safety if the development goes ahead.

She said: "The group use its grounds for pursuits such as camping practice, outdoor games, camp fires and outdoor games all under carefully controlled adult supervision.

"These are just the sort of organised activities young people need these days when parents fear to let their children play outside away from in their free time."

Scout leaders and parents are also concerned at the loss of the outdoor play area, parking spaces and emergency access.

This week the group received the support of Dursley Town Council's planning and town improvements committee in its objections to the plans.

Chairman Anne-Marie Rutter said: "I'm behind the Scout group. Not to have an area to play or camp in a rural community is a crying shame.

"Emergency access is a real issue and I don't imagine parents will want to leave their children out on the streets before meetings."

Scout leaders have complained that the plans were changed without any notification from Crest Nicholson or Stroud District Council.

They said they were originally told open space would be provided for "outside activity" and parking spaces would be provided for "setting down and picking up."

Instead, the plans include a "teen zone" - a small area of land adjacent to Uley Road for local teenagers to use. The group dismissed this as "inadequate".

A spokesman for Crest Nicholson said this week: "We will be providing three parking spaces for the group and are looking into providing an amenity area for them too.

"It's in our interest to help the community and we've made £137,000 available for youth projects."

The Scout group plans to lobby the district council later this month when the plans go before the authority's planning committee. However, Mr Denney said he and other leaders were willing to talk to Crest Nicholson.