A BOATHOUSE used by hundreds of youngsters each a year is set to be demolished due to a one-in-10,000 chance of flooding.
Dozens of scout troupes and similar groups abroad use the building when canoeing and sailing on Highams Park Lake, off The Charter Road.
But the landowner plans to tear the facility down in order to reinforce a dam after the area was upgraded to the highest risk of flooding, which means ten or more lives could be at risk following heavy rainfall.
Susan Payne, group leader of the Michael Mallinson Explorer scout group, condemned the move as there was such a slim chance of disaster striking.
She said: "It does seem crazy. It's over the top but we can't fight the decision.
"It's going to be incredibly hard to fund a new boathouse - it costs £10,000 just to draw up plans for one."
Waltham Forest Scouts Commissioner Teddy Edwards agreed.
He said: "It's very frustrating, the boathouse has been a very well-used facility for years.
"It's hard to raise the money because these are all community groups trying to support children and we don't have much money put aside to provide a new facility."
The Corporation of London owned boathouse has been used by scout groups since the 1960s and provides income for groups through an annual event for 500 scouts, cubs and brownies.
Mrs Payne added: "It will be a tough loss for us because it means we'll be deprived of important resources and income.
"(Canoeing) also teaches children leadership, teamwork and organisation. It sums up the whole ethos of scouting."
A spokesman for the Corporation of London said: "Engineering advice has recommended the reinforcement of the existing dam to withstand significant flood events.
"The City will seek to appoint consultants later this year, with a view to seeking planning consent in March 2013 for works to commence November 2013 with completion before March 2014.
"Any structures on top of dams can lead to uneven overtopping during flood events which can lead to differential wear and possible failure of the dam. The conservators are in discussion with Walthamstow Scouts regarding a potential future for the centre."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel