Effingham Village Recreation Trust (EVRT) are using heavy-handed tactics to force Effingham Scouts to sign up to new terms that will making Scouting at the current location unviable. 

For the past 30 years 1ES have alone managed,  maintained and invested in improvements for the Scout HQ in good faith. EVRT has never contributed nor even been a key holder, yet in late 2023 their stance radically changed.

This petition was started as result of this in early 2024 when EVRT chair Paula Moss, wrote explaining that vehicular access to the Scout HQ would be fully restricted until a licence was signed by 1ES.

The Scouts’ legal counsel, who specialises in property law for charitable organisations, believes that 1ES holds a long-established and legally significant right to occupy the premises, including full access. Despite this, attempts to reach a negotiated solution have so far been unsuccessful.

 EVRT has referenced Charity Commission guidance in support of its position. 1ES, however, argues that such guidance needs to allow for solutions that take into account the long-term community contributions that have been made by the Scout group. 1ES legal team has successfully supported similar agreements in other charitable settings.

Over recent months, tensions have risen due to actions such as restricted vehicular access, legal notices following public events, and concerns over how EVRT interprets the Scouts’ use of the facility. However, 1ES emphasises that it remains committed to constructive dialogue and a positive future partnership.

1ES have been trying to negotiate now for some time and is frustrated that EVRT are not willing to move their position such that any progress can be made. The latest communication from EVRT is to threaten the Scout group with court proceedings.

The Scout group continues to believe a negotiated solution is best for both parties to break the deadlock and move forward. Negotiating is a more collaborative and financially responsible alternative to court proceedings which 1ES has been advised could reach approximately £100,000 for each side.

1ES believes a negotiated solution significantly reduces the burden on both charitable and public funds.

Please petition EVRT to allow Effingham Scouts to keep their existing terms and fees, support our local children and ensure the long-term survival of the Scouting movement in Effingham.

Find out more here: 

Effingham Scouts Call for Meaningful Negotiations in Ongoing HQ Dispute with Village Trust | 1st Effingham Scout Group

Our HQ | 1st Effingham Scout Group