A VITAL minibus which is used by scout groups and voluntary groups has been stolen leaving questions about the future of day trips and camps.

A minibus owned by Hagley Rambler and Scouts Group has been stolen from the driveway of their scout hut on Hall Lane.

The vehicle is not just used by Hagley Scouts, but other Scouts groups, Guide groups and voluntary groups and is vital to provide transportation to and from day trips and camps away.

It is believed to have been stolen between 2.30 pm on Sunday, December 18 and 7 pm on Monday, December 19.

Alison Akers, group treasurer for Hagley Ramblers and Scouts Group said in the short term they will manage but as the weather gets warmer and more trips are organised 'it will be dearly missed’.

“The bus would have been back in use in January,” said Alison.

“Parents will have to take their children to places and pick them up but that won’t always work with camps and trips further away.

“The trips, which are further away may need to be cancelled.

“It’s such a shame.”

The Ford Transit minibus was stolen without keys and Alison said there was no sign of any smashed glass or a break-in.

“We loan it out to other scout groups as well so it’s not just us that rely on it,” said Alison.

The scout group bought the 13-seater minibus for around £13,000 five years ago.

Alison said she is in the process of launching a fundraising appeal to raise money for another bus.

Anyone who has any information is asked to contact police quoting log 00517_I_20122022 or ring crime stoppers on 0800 555 111.