Bognor scout hut fire is ‘devastating’
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
The Bognor Regis District scouting headquarters caught fire on Sunday evening and the blaze tore through the building.
The interior has been completed decimated by smoke and fire, along with most of its contents including old scout flags, badgers, trophies, computers and clothes being collected for charity.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe metal structure of the portacabin has also been badly damaged and will be examined further.
The building, located just off Central Drive in North Bersted, was only opened in May 2013 after much fundraising and hard work from the scouts and the local community.
“It’s not even been open for three years, it’s simply devastating,” said a visibly upset Ally Dodd, district commissioner for Bognor Scouts today.
“We held the scout shop here and stored all the uniforms and badges, nearly all them have been destroyed.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“As our headquarters were held all our meetings there. It’s something the district wanted for years, we finally got it and now we’ve lost it.”
The main building which is the home of the 11th Bognor Scouts was unaffected by last night’s fire, which began some time before 6pm.
It is not known yet how the fire started but a neighbour is said to have raised the alarm.
Ally said: “Someone in the local neighbourhood phoned the fire brigade so we’re eternally grateful to them.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“The fire service we absolutely fantastic and we have to be grateful that no one was hurt, that is the main thing.”
Amongst the contents damaged were a large number of bags full of recycled clothes which the scouts had been collecting as part of their Phil the Bag charity fundraising.
Dave Shimell, district quartermaster, added: “It’s not just the fabric of the building but everything that was inside.
“It took us a long time to get it here and now it’s destroyed. It will be hard work but we shall rebuild.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdDon’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.
Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.
1) Make our website your homepage at www.bognor.co.uk/
2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BognorRegisObserver
3) Follow us on Twitter @BogObserver
4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.
And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!
The Bognor Observer - always the first with your local news.
Be part of it.