Defiant Scouts whose group has been suspended over a dispute between leaders have demanded: “Give us back our pack”.
Members, some as young as six, took the matter into their own hands by protesting outside the locked gates of their headquarters in Essington, near Wolverhampton, last night. It has been two weeks since the 1st Essington Scouts, Cubs and Beavers were suspended after complaints were made about leader Pete Whittingham by some of the trustees.
The dispute centres around “differences over management”, according to the Scout Association, which chose to stop the groups while the matter is resolved.
But dozens of children have been left without their much-loved clubs.They missed out on a camping trip this weekend and an adventure holiday in June is hanging in the balance.
Yesterday the youngsters made their voices heard outside the hut in Brownshore Lane, where they waved placards and signs in a bid to reinstate the groups.
Emily Taylor, aged 10, a pupil at St John’s Primary School in Essington, said: “It’s not fair because we really like coming here to do badges and play games.”
Games
Her friend Summer Smithyman, also 10 and at the same school, added: “I think it’s silly that it stopped.”
Jonathan Millmanowen, aged 11 and a pupil at St John’s, made a banner which read Save Our Scouts.
“I made it because I wanted people to see how much Scouts means to us. Monday nights are really boring without it.”
Lionel Saunders’ 11-year-old daughter Ruth is a Scout. He said Mr Whittingham was highly regarded.
“It is a shame that some people are more concerned with their own agenda, their position and influence, than the children,” he added.
Councillor David Clifft, who organised the protest, said: “Everyone is missing the point, 1st Essington Scouts is about our children and they should be put first.”Ê
A meeting is due to be held this week to discuss the matter.
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