A scout group is appealing for help from the community in protecting their hut and grounds from trespassers.

The 1st Stratton Scout Group, whose headquarters are in Taylor Crescent, were devastated recently when the fencing around their field was damaged by a private company who had been drafted in to trim the hedges.

The group was forced to put up temporary fencing but people have pushed it trespassed and vandalised the field.

Scout leader Joanne Parker said: “About a month ago the fence was damaged and there was gaping holes left so we managed to get a temporary fence up but people have been trespassing on our field and we want to put a stop to it before our building is damaged.

“We need something put in place that is going to be more fixed, but we don’t know exactly how much it will cost because it is quite a long field but it isn’t something we can really afford because we are a charity and we don’t have the money.

“We have worked out that it would take roughly six months for us to raise enough money to afford a permanent fence.”

They are now appealing to local people and businesses to come forward and offer either money to help mend the fence or the materials to fix it.

Anyone who thinks they can help can contact Joanne on joannacparker@gmail.com.