'Save our Scout headquarters'

SOME 1,400 people have signed a petition calling for a Seaford Scout HQ to be saved.

And Scouts, Guides and Cubs, along with their leaders and parents, presented the petition to Seaford councillor Jon Freeman on Friday.

People are concerned that Seahaven District Scout Council has made a planning application to demolish the HQ, in Chichester Road, and build three four-bedroom detached houses in its place.

It has emerged the plan has caused bitter divisions between some rank-and-file scout leaders and the Seahaven Scout Council executive committee.

Leaders claim the decision was made by the committee without anyone else's input, while Scout chiefs argue the building is not used enough by Scout groups, is run down and would cost too much repair.

Former Scout leader Barry Trigwell, who collected signatures at his shop, Seaford Lighting, in Broad Street, was amazed how quickly the petition took off.

He said: 'People wanted to sign it because they thought it would be a big loss to the youth of the town.

'There was a great effort on behalf of all those who took part in collecting signatures. It just started with a few sheets and had soon snowballed around the town in just ten days.'

Seaford Town Council planning committee has condemned the planning application, saying it would result in the loss of a community asset and the houses would amount to an over development.

The application is currently being considered by Lewes District Council planning officers. Their recommendation is unlikely to be made known for at least three weeks.