‘We’ll be back home very soon’

The blaze at the building on Laughton Road caused around £35,000 of damage and forced youngsters out of their scouting home in November.

Building work has now started on the premises and this weekend work will begin on repairing the roof.

Linda Beesley, group Scout leader, 22nd Dinnington said she hoped the beavers, cubs and scouts could be back in their new home by beginning of March.

“We are definitely looking forward to all being back under one roof,” she said.

“We have all found temporary new homes. The cubs, beavers and scouts have gone to North Anston Scout hut. They offered us a roof.”

“The lady that runs the slimming class has also found somewhere else to go.”

“We have managed to find temporary accommodation for everyone.”

It is believed that a faulty electrical boiler in the toilets caused the fire on 14th November which quickly spread into the roof and kitchen.

The cupboards used by the group to go camping and take part in activities was largely unaffected by the fire and most of the equipment was saved.

Linda said: “It was devastating. We had been in the building on the Sunday morning to congregate for the Remembrance parade.”

“Everything was fine. Then I got a call from the fire brigade asking if I was still a key holder. The fire was more or less out when I got there. The flames were out and they were double checking that everything was out. Part of the ceiling was down in the hall.”

The building, which has been used by the scouting organisation for more than 23 years, was hit by an arson attack around 20 years ago resulting in a fence being erected around it.

Any girls or boys aged six to 14-and-a-half wishing to join the beavers, cubs or scouts should contact Linda on 01909 565563.