Local Scouts say they are shocked and saddened by an overnight attempt to break in to the Wellow Scout Activity Hut last Thursday, which ended with the building being destroyed. The hut, which had just been refurbished, could now be pulled down for safety reasons.

It is thought that in an attempt to break in to the building, vandals rammed the gate with a vehicle and then tied ropes to the door to rip it off. They got more than they bargained for, pulling down the whole of the front of the building and fleeing the scene. Nothing has been taken, and leaders say that there was nothing valuable being stored there to be taken.

The activity hut, between Norton St Phillip and Wellow, is very remote, and can only be accessed on foot or by off-road vehicles. Local Cubs, Scouts and Explorers across the area use this facility as a base for local outdoor activities and camping.

Adrian Burge, who has volunteered with the Scouts locally for many years, told The Journal: “As the site is so remote, we had tried really hard to keep it secure. Volunteers have spent hours of their time doing the hut up for the kids. All for nothing. We just can’t believe it.”

Rebecca Mears, Assistant Group Scout Leader at 1st Midsomer Norton Scouts, explains: “1st Midsomer Norton Scout group runs two Beaver colonies, two Cub Packs and two Scout Troops in the heart of Midsomer Norton. We host weekly nights for 150 young people locally, as well as being home to the Saxon Explorer group and Network.

“The hall on Radstock Road has no outdoor space, so we have a site in Wellow for camping and outdoor adventures with the young people. We often use the land with other scout groups from all over the area.

“The Wellow site is a greenfield site, with no facilities, so we use the hut to store kit and have been working for five years to build it and raise funds to convert it to a bunkhouse.

“The project was due for completion next summer. The site has remained in constant use, but is now unsafe.

“The front wall has been destroyed and we are unsure at this time if the building can be restored or if it will need to be pulled down and rebuilt.

“It has taken a very long time to get to this point and it’s devastating for all involved. It is absolute mindless vandalism to a well-used community building, which is now unsafe for use.

“We are a group that likes to be outdoors and want to firstly, make it safe, and secondly, rebuild as quickly as possible.

“The children spend hours here every week, and it is hugely upsetting that people would do this to such a great resource.”

A campaign launched on Friday to try and raise £5,000 for repairs had, by Monday, raised over £2,500 for the cause. If the hut needs rebuilding, it is likely to cost much more. Any tradespeople reading this who may be able to help with the rebuild or repairs can email: [email protected]

If you would like to donate to the funding link, readers can do so at: https://www.gofundme.com/wellow-hut-midsomer-norton-scouts