CELEBRATIONS to mark the centenery of the Scouting movement were marred by the demolition of a cherished woodland chapel.

Hundreds of Scouts from the Southend Estuary district arrived at the Belchamps centre in Hockley last weekend to mark the 100 year anniversary of the movement.

But to some of the Scout leaders' dismay, they discovered for the first time that an open air chapel had been demolished.

The chapel has been moved to the new improved campfire circle, so religious ceremonies of all faiths can be held there.

But many are feeling the loss of somewhere people could go for quiet reflection- and where the ashes of people's loved ones have been scattered.

Scout leader Keith Crowhurst said: "There are so many people writing to the centre to object, including people who were involved with the site over many years.

"It was a perimeter fence and ornamental gateway made out of rough timber, with rough timber seats and a timber alter."

The dismantling of the chapel has also upset people who had scattered the ashes of loved ones there, in particular the widow of one Scout leader whose ashes were buried under the altar.

Mr Crowhurst said: "It would appear that because there was so little consultation, they didn't know the ashes were there.

"But if they had consulted, they would have been told."

Centre manager Nigel Ruse said the idea to move the chapel came from trustees of the site.

The decision to dismantle the chapel was made in October.

Mr Ruse said: "The updating of the chapel was done to turn it into a place of worship for all faiths, and not to exclude any one from Scouting.

"I feel Mr Crowhurst has been unfortunate in that he hasn't been to the site for a while and hasn't noticed the news about the new chapel."

"While this may have put a damper on his weekend I can assure you that it did not dampen the spirits of any of the young people who attended."

He added: "We deliberately didn't start work for six months to allow for any issues to be raised. Neither I nor the trustees where aware that anyone's ashes had been placed in the chapel.

"We are in discussion with the lady concerned and this will be a private discussion to achieve a suitable and compassionate outcome."