THE discovery of used syringes close to Ingleton's scout hut has forced the pack to step up its search for new premises.

Police found the syringes on April 1 and 3, close to the Mealbank scout hut, together with a number of beer cans.

The hut has been home to the scouts for at least the last 16 years but the premises are not ideal.

Scout leaders and parents met at Ingleton Primary School on Friday to discuss the problem and agreed a new venue should be found for the troop.

Group leader Anne Cox explained: "It's very, very sad but really this has only brought matters to a head. The syringes were not in too close a proximity but were too close to be happy about.

"The scout hut only has electricity, it has no water, no toilets and we have been looking for somewhere else for about two years."

Leaders are considering various new locations suggested by parents but none of the new venues are in Ingleton. However parents say they would rather the group continue to meet in a neighbouring village than not meet at all.

Ideally the new scout hall will have a garage or outbuilding for storage, a space for children to play, and have electricity and water.

Alternatively, if anyone had a piece of land they could offer, the scouts could consider erecting a new wooden hut.

Despite the problems facing the pack Anne is determined it should continue providing fun for its 25 scouts and eight explorers (formerly known as venture scouts).

Another 25 cubs and eight beavers are future scouts although they meet at the primary school.

She said: "There are problems with using a school and we have a very good community centre, but we meet on a Friday and there are often concerts in the main hall so the scouts would have to be silent; which isn't really the idea of scouts.

"It is not going to close, somehow we are going to keep it going."

Anyone who is able to help the scouts is asked to contact Anne on 015242 41344.

She would also be interested in hearing from anyone who is able to support the pack, as the more adults involved with the group the more activities can be organised for the children.

Ingleton PC Andy McClurg confirmed to the Herald that four syringes had been found in the area and appealed for information.

He said: "We are always looking for public support and anyone who has any information which could lead to names being put forward we would ask them to please contact us at Ingleton Police Station."

"Any information will be treated in the strictest confidence," he added.