Praise has been heaped on the emergency services and the quick community response in the wake of a devastating fire that destroyed Exmouth’s Sea Scout hut.
Longstanding local politician, Councillor Eileen Wragg (Liberal Democrat, Exmouth Town), reacted to the sad loss of the building, whose destruction took with it “so much energy and commitment over so many years”.
Cllr Wragg said the quick response by Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service meant crews managed to “quickly control the fire”.
“This prevented further damage, not least to the new building [being constructed],” she said.
“This could not have been possible without the vigilance of nearby residents, especially in Camperdown Terrace, who have been on constant alert for so many years.
“Exmouth is such a caring community, and this really is bringing out the best in our town.”
Cllr Wragg said the new building for the 5th Exmouth Sea Scouts was still being constructed, but hoped it would provide a suitable new home for the group.
A fundraising page on the Wonderful website had already been raising money for the new building, and had surpassed £5,000 on Tuesday 12 August.
And the group has rapidly raised more than £1,400 on the crowdfunder.co.uk website as part of efforts to fund replacement equipment.
The page states that the group has “lost everything” in the blaze, including kayaks, boats, camping equipment, buoyancy aids, paddles, generator, kitchen equipment and more..
“We have been working tirelessly for the past three years to eraise money to build a new Scout Hut,” the page states.
“We were finally getting close to our target and now all our equipment has been destroyed by an act of thoughtless vandalism.
“We now have to not only continue to raise funds to finish the new Scout Hut, but we have to raise money to replace all our equipment.”
Cllr Wragg stated she hoped East Devon District Council would be “even more supportive of [the new building] being achieved following the devastating fire”.
“Our sympathy is with the Sea Scout leaders, past and present, the families and friends, and former members, who have invested so much energy and commitment over many years ensuring the future of our young people,” she said.
“Lifelong skills have been taught and enriched the lives of so many.”
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