Scout hut condemned

3:27pm Thursday 14th February 2008

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Hertsmere Borough Council has passed plans to demolish a disused scout hut to make way for green space in Borehamwood.

The derelict building, in Stevenage Crescent, has been unused for around ten years, and is now surrounded by overgrown foliage and has been targeted by vandals.

Addressing the meeting Councillor John Graham, finance and property portfolio holder, said: "About four years ago we had to build a fence around the hut because it became hazardous."

The council's executive committee passed a recommendation to knock down the building and landscape the area at a meeting on Wednesday. The project is expected to cost the authority around £25,000.

Councillors heard a report about the state of the hut and the possibilities for its future. It stated the 50-year- old building's roof contains asbestos sheets.

A number of organisations have approached the authority expressing interest in using the hut for community activities.

But following a 2006 investigation into the presence of asbestos, surveyors estimated it would cost more than £100,000 to bring the building up to current health and safety standards.

Another option put to the executive was to keep the original hut, but officers warned the cost of maintaining it would be high, and the council could be open to potential liability claims should an accident occur.

Ricky Digby, 49, who lives next to the hut, said: "It is a shame it is not going to be used, but there doesn't seem to be any other option. There is no access to the building and it requires a lot of maintenance.

"Vandalism has been a persistent problem and the police have been involved.

"I am pleased something is being done but I am apprehensive about what will be its replacement and the problems this may cause."

The council is hoping to demolish the building next month.

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