ORGANISERS of Scouting activities in the Petersfield area say they are beginning to feel the impact of the foot-and-mouth epidemic.

Local groups are looking to the community for help with camps and other outdoor activities which are under threat by the spread of the disease.

The Scout movement provides many outdoor activities and programmes at this time of year as well as annual camps which are greatly enjoyed by hundreds of youngsters.

The Scout headquarters has maintained a close liaison with MAFF and other agencies in an effort to continue to take steps to assist in the prevention of the spread of foot-and-mouth.

MAFF has issued guidance to the movement which includes advice not to camp, walk across or visit farmland, or land used by farm animals. This includes woodland or parkland where deer may be present.

Phil Morris, Petersfield district commissioner for Scouting, whose patch also covers Liphook, Liss, Sheet, Buriton and the Meons, says he supports the measures taken but is keen to point out that many hours have been spent over the winter months by adults and young people planning and training for the camps.

A variety of exciting activities have already been cancelled and many more are under threat.

The Liss Scout group has had to postpone three camps, Liphook has had a group conservation weekend cancelled and a showpiece group camp involving all members from six to 20-years-old is also doubtful.

Sheet, Petersfield and East Hampshire villages also have some difficult decisions to make. A district hillwalking weekend in South Wales also looks like it will be postponed.

To salvage some of the very hard work that has already been put in and to meet the expectations of the young people involved, Mr Morris is now looking to the community for help.

Companies, organisations, schools or private individuals with large gardens or grounds are being urged to consider allowing a camp take place on their property.

Mr Morris said: "Many camps are planned for a weekend or even overnight. They would not be too intrusive. Yes, there would be some noise, the noise of children enjoying themselves in a controlled environment, the noise of children and adults having fun and singing around a campfire.

"But to be able to have a camp take place would be so beneficial to everybody concerned."

Mr Morris said Scouts had planned a busy programme of outdoor activities for youngsters in this area and to have camping curtailed for what looks like the entire summer would be counter-productive.

He said: "Any efforts that would let some camping go ahead would be so greatly appreciated.

"Any camping that would take place would be done in a caring and considerate manner."

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Mr Morris on 01730 268005 or Mr Pannell on 01730 300084.