A SCOUT group has launched legal action against a parish council's plan to knock down its old hut and build a new facility in its place.

The Fourth Oxford Scout Group say they are being 'evicted' from their home of more than 50 years because of the 'ridiculous' argument with North Hinksey Parish Council.

However, the council says the Scouts have refused to meet with them to negotiate.

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The parish council’s plans, which have been in development for years, would see the existing village sports pavilion and the scout hut next door, at Louie Memorial Playing Fields, both demolished and replaced by a larger and modern complex, which will be offered to the group to use.

The Scouts, however, say that the council's offer is just not good enough.

In a passionate letter to parents and carers last week, the Scout group said: “We are all in support of better facilities on the site, however our executive committee have been wrestling with the council over the fact that their plans do not work for the group and cannot work.

“The council is offering us fewer evenings than we need, massively increased running costs, and facilities that just do not work for us.

“Also, the plans clearly show that the scout hut does not need to be removed at all, as the new building is off to the side, extending into the field.”

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When the council drew up its proposal, it said that the new facilities were planned particularly considering the needs of children and youth activities, including Scouts, the youth club and potentially activities for babies and toddlers.

The project was given the go-ahead by Vale of White Horse District Council in August last year.

However, the opponents confirmed they have now taken legal action to put a stop to it thanks to their new chairman, James Wynne, who is a barrister and has agreed to help.

Fourth Oxford also claimed that the parish has terminated their lease at ‘short notice’ and told them to leave the hut on December 31, unless the group agreed to the new offer and instead, move out in June.

But North Hinksey Parish Council has a different view on how the negotiation has gone.

Chairman David Kay addressed the allegations: “The former lease that the scout group refer to expired on July 1.

“Since then there has only been a tenancy at will in place.

“In July the group were offered a new one-year, rent-free lease, with the possibility of extending the lease.

“Our intention was to enable them to remain on site as long as was practically possible before building works begin.”

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Mr Kay also said that the council had attempted to meet with the Fourth Oxford on numerous occasions over the past two years to reach some agreement, but said all those offers were refused.

According to the chairman, the opponents also agreed to work towards a deadline of signing that lease by the end of July.

However, more than four months later, it has still not been signed.

Mr Kay added: “We fail to understand why they have not done so.

“We never had any intention of ordering the Scouts to leave, however, if they wish to stay we need an agreement.

“It is very unfortunate that they have chosen not to discuss this with us but have gone down the legal route.”

The council is planning to discuss the matter again later this month, although the discussion will be private due to the ongoing legal proceedings.

While Fourth Oxford have been resisting the demolition, the group have made arrangements to begin running from the Oxford Rugby Club in North Hinksey, should it be required.

They have also had ‘generous offers’ of land in the area for a purpose-built Scouting HQ.

But they said: “It seems much better for everyone if the hut is just left in place.”