The future of an Almondsbury scout group is in doubt following a dispute with the parish council.

The 30-year lease of the scout hut used by 1st Almondsbury Scouts expired in April and has yet to be renewed.

Scout leaders believe the group has a legal right to renew the lease of the hut, but Almondsbury Parish Council, which owns the building, are awaiting their own legal advice.

The hut was recently refurbished, and the scouts’ returned was delayed while the work was finished.

Although they are now allowed to use the hut again, they have been prevented from storing equipment there.

Toilet paper is the only item they have been given permission to leave in the hut.

Tim Jefferis, chairman of the group, said: “The main impact is the need to plan exactly what might happen in each session and to transport everything that might be needed to and fro each time.

“This puts a strain on the leaders, all of whom have regular jobs and give up their time as volunteers.

It is not just the scouts who use the hut.

Before the rebuilding it was used every week in term time by the scouts, cubs and beavers as well as a local rock band for rehearsals.

Embroidery and quilting clubs,a retired police club and girl guides also used the hut on a regular basis.

The local pantomime group have also been unable to rehearse.

A meeting of parents and scout group leaders was held at St Mary’s church on Tuesday, November 6 where Mr Jefferis declared: “We can’t carry on on this basis.”

Many of those present then headed to Almondsbury Parish Council meeting to raise their concerns.

Councillors faced a barrage of questions over why it was taking so long to renew the lease.

Phil Hall, chair of the council, assured people they had ‘no intention of stopping the scouts using the hall’.

Council representatives held a meeting with the scout group the following day but a new lease has yet to be offered and fears remain the council will not offer one and instead favour a license to occupy or another arrangement.

Mr Jefferis said he was ‘really concerned’ about the council’s interest in finding a timely resolution.

A spokeswoman for Almondsbury Parish Council said: “Council is seeking a new agreement with the 1st Almondsbury Scouts to secure their continued use of the hall.

“The council is committed to retaining the Scouts presence in the hall and at no time has suggested this is not the case.

“Whilst discussions are ongoing, the scouts continue to meet in the hall. We are hopeful a mutual agreement is reached as soon as possible.”