A youth club set up for children in a deprived seaside resort has been closed after cruel thieves stole a haul of their equipment.

Scamps, which is run from the Jaywick Resource Centre for six to 13-year-olds in the resort, lost £800 worth of goods when its locked cupboard was broken into.

It is also facing a rent hike of about 70 per cent for its base and cannot afford the rise.

Chairman Richard Essex has taken the step of closing the club down temporarily but vowed it will be back bigger and better than ever.

"This is a real disaster as it is the only facility of its kind for that age group in Jaywick," he said.

"It is run by parents for their children and they are all volunteers. The theft was a real kick in the teeth for us and everyone is bitterly disappointed."

Mr Essex said the group, set up in 2001 with lottery money, had received cash from the chairman of Tendring Council's fund and scooped a High Sheriff award of £1,000 against stiff opposition from across the county.

"We also picked up a bowl from Essex County Council in recognition of our service to the community and enhancing the environment," he added.

"The club was set up because youngsters down here were getting blamed for everything and we wanted to provide them with an activity."

Most of the children using the club come from Brooklands and Grasslands.

Mr Essex added: "We need to revamp the operation but we will keep going somehow."

Tendring councillor Roy Smith, who represents Jaywick, was helping the group and looking for areas of funding.

Published Friday, May 30, 2003

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