VICTORY has turned to anger for a Stourport scout troop whose hut was burgled in the same week as planning permission was won to build a new base on the same site.

The Europa Venture Scout Unit's base in Stourport's War Memorial Park was broken into by a group of youths on Friday - just days after Wyre Forest district councillors denounced an officers' recommendation the application to relocate it should be refused, and for it to be moved closer to the town's community centre, as "madness". David Macaulay outside the vandalised Scout hut in Stourport.

Scout Leader David Macaulay, however, said that rather than justifying officers' criticism of its location, the crime reinforced the need to build a more secure hut and showed councillors had made the right decision in giving plans the thumbs up.

He said he was not surprised by the burglary, during which four to six youths were seen on the building's roof, because the hut was regularly targeted by vandals.

"It happens quite often and one of the reasons we wanted planning permission was to build a more secure building.

"Usually it's purely vandalism but this time they actually broke through a wall."

The culprits pulled wooden panels off the scout hut wall and stole a tent and a ground sheet but dropped the equipment before escaping on scooters.

The incident came just three days after Councillor Vi Higgs of Stourport Town Council lobbied the planning (development control) committee, stressing vandalism was not a problem.

She said: "The leader Dave commands such respect in Stourport that his friends and neighbours on Lickhill Road guard the site for him so there is no vandalism.

"Whatever you decide, I think the youngsters of Stourport really need this opportunity so I urge you to move approval."

Speaking after the burglary, Mr Macaulay told the Shuttle/Times and News: "What is in our favour is that it was reported to myself and the police while it was in progress by our good neighbours, which proves the councillor was right about people looking out for it.

"Now we need to make it vandal-proof outside to keep the vandals outside and our stuff inside."

Councillors voted in support of the application with two conditions: that the hut's brick surface was replaced with treated blockwork and painted green.

Refusal had been recommended on the grounds the building "would detract from the open character of the park and provide an incongruous feature within the open frontage to Lower Lickhill Road.

Councillor Stephen Clee moved approval, saying: "I'm aghast at this report. There is wide support for this application in the community and the town council unanimously supported it. I've got letters from residents opposite the site who support it."

His view was seconded by councillor Fran Oborski, who argued: "I'm horrified that anybody would want to turn this down. The scout movement is thriving in Stourport and we should be encouraging youth activities."

Police are urging anyone with information on the burglary to contact them 08457 444888. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555111.