Vandalism and “intimidation” has prompted Helston’s scout group to launch an appeal for help.

Police have advised 1st Helston Scout Group to take control of the land around its hut at Coronation Gardens, after a fire was lit next door and damage was carried out over a number of months, including the guttering being pulled off.

Younger members of the group are currently unable to play and learn on the grassy area outside the hut, due to broken glass, dog mess and smoking debris.

As a result, the group, which has 100 members through the different sections, has appealed to Helston Town Council for a change in the lease agreement to allow them to put up fencing around the hut and maintain the land.

In a letter seen by the council’s finance committee last week, group scout leader Sonia Brown and chairman Paul Coombs wrote: “Over the last few months we have experienced incidents of antisocial behaviour around the hut and sustained some damage.

“There is also a risk to the young people that we look after following the recent events. The persons responsible have intimidated leaders and made the adults feel uneasy. We do not want this to happen to the young people.

“The police have also been called to come and deal with young people causing problems during a troop night.”

Although the trouble was worst last summer, when fortunately the club was not holding regular meetings, the broken glass and dog mess remain an issue. The group is also keen to get the fence up ahead of the summer holidays this year.

The group currently caters for 15 Beavers, 40 Cubs and 30 Scouts, with the older age Explorer unit, which has 15 members, also based out of the same building.

Mrs Brown, who is also section leader, said: “Currently we can’t play with the Beavers out there; maybe we can get more out of it. We said we’d maintain it all and do all the grass cutting.”

The town council’s policy, finance and resources committee met last week to discuss the application from the scout group.

As a result of the meeting, the council has agreed in principle to the fence being put up, with two conditions: that permission is also given by Cornwall Council, which retains ownership of the land, despite it being leased to the town council (that then sub-leases it to the scout group) and that planning permission is received if the fence is over a certain height.

The group is appealing for anyone who might be help out, by offering services or donating materials.

Volunteers can get in touch via group’s email helstongsl@hotmail.co.uk Photo supplied. Caption: Members and leaders of 1st Helston Scout Group outside their hut in Coronation Gardens, which they want to fence off due to vandalism.