2:50pm Friday 12th March 2010
By Laura Smith
A CUB Scout group has been forced to lock the doors of its community hall during meetings because of troublemakers gathering outside.
Youngsters have been banging on the doors of Friars Community Centre, in Constable Way, Shoebury, to shout abuse and throw open cans of drink through the door.
This has disrupted meetings of the 4th Shoebury Cubs Scouts and Beavers who meet there on a Tuesday night.
One of the leaders, who asked not to be named, said: “A group of kids came and threw a can of coke that went all over the hall floor. They ran out again and thought it was funny.
“Then there were some teenage girls who banged on the door. One of the leaders opened it and one of the girls went to barge in, so we’ve now had to lock the community hall door in the evening.”
The leader said the group of girls appeared to be drunk and were swearing and shouting. They had claimed they needed to use the toilet, but as they had already tried to force their way in, the group refused them entry.
“There have also been groups of teenage boys swearing outside.”
She said: “It’s kids who congregate around the Renown shopping area, sitting in the cold. They get bored and see the light in the community centre and the kids enjoying themselves and they want to spoil it.”
As a volunteer she feels it has become a nightmare every week to the point where it is draining. However, she has not reported the problem to the police as from past experience she feels their hands are tied when dealing with low-level antisocial behaviour.
But Essex Police spokesman Bill Stock said: “We will contact the Scout group, take details, and will investigate their concerns.”
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.echo-news.co.uk/trade_directory/