Part of a scout group based in Tollesbury could be forced to close because of a shortage of leaders.

The cub section at the 1st Blackwater Scout Group may have to shut in the near future because the current leader has decided to leave.

And with all three sections needing an additional leader the long-term future of the group could be bleak.

Group scout leader, Beverley Toft said: "We just need another committed leader for each section. We are not legally able to run with just one leader. We have parents' help but it is a big burden for the leader."

The group has around 45 youngsters aged between six and fifteen from areas including Tolleshunt Major, Tolleshunt D'Arcy, Tolleshunt Knights, Heybridge and Goldhanger.

Published Friday January 23, 2004

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