WE fear for the future of St Chad's Greys Scout Group, founded in 1927 (September 9).

The Scouts are victims of circumstances, firstly the loss of their headquarters because of fire and now the possibility of the HQ not being re-built because of the closure of the church and possible sale of the site.

The HQ was built in the 1950s after fundraising. The church granted the group a 21+21 year lease of the land, which at the time seemed an eternity.

This lease ran out some years ago and the church has been reluctant to grant a negotiated extension. As a result, the insurance claim for the loss of the building could fall because of the lack of a suitable site to re-build.

The present and future young people of South Bank are going to be the losers.

We hope the church, when coming to a decision, will consider the Scouts and youths of South Bank with compassion and find some way to allow the re-building of their HQ.

George and Daphne Robson,

Lycett Road, York.

Updated: 09:26 Friday, September 20, 2002