Yobs scuttle scout hut

MINDLESS vandals have caused hundreds of pounds damage to the Sea Scouts hut in Ham Lane, Lewes, throwing the youth group into a cash crisis.

The yobs struck early on Tuesday morning, hurling large beach stones which they had apparently brought to the area for that purpose.

Some 10 windows on both sides of the building were smashed.

Another large stone damaged a fuse box. When members of the 6th Lewes Sea Scouts arrived and turned on the lights, the box caught fire.

Now the building is unusable without light or heat.

An anonymous Lewes well-wisher has offered a 500 reward for information leading to the conviction of those responsible.

Other nearby buildings were not touched.

Said group treasurer David Freeman: 'This is a bitter blow for our volunteers as we run the the group on a shoestring budget.

'We are on good terms with everyone and we cannot understand why anyone should wish us harm. The building has been used by Scouts for nearly 50 years.

'We are very fed up. We have had to cancel activities for more than 50 Scouts, Beavers and Cubs while the building is fixed.

'And we have also lost income from rental to bands who rehearse there.

We have no idea why the vandals did it. There is nothing valuable there.

'We are very grateful that someone has come forward with the reward money.

The Scouts are hoping much of the repair work can be done with volunteer labour.