Parents' anger as Cubs found alone on 'dangerous' road

One “horrified” parent said she only found out what had happened when her child returned home upset from a 10th Worcester Cub group.

Another said he was “extremely angry” and the Cub leaders had made a “massive error”.

However, the Scouts said Monday's hike was fully risk-assessed and children’s safety was its number one priority.

Resident Simon Middleweek said he was forced to step in after seeing a group of “20 to 30” children attempting to navigate Crown East Lane in Upper Broadheath.

He said the children were trying to get from the scout hut near St Thomas Church to Elgar’s Birthplace, but lost their way. Cub groups include children aged seven to ten.

“They were trying to dodge the traffic, in the rain and with no adults with them,” said the former police officer.

“I went out and used one of their radios to speak to someone and a few minutes later a girl came running down the road.

“These young kids have been put at risk. They have been let down by the people who should be looking after them. It was very irresponsible.”

Jeremy Wilkinson, whose son, age ten, was on the hike, said he was “extremely angry” when he found out what happened.

“We weren’t told they would be on their own.

“We assumed there would have been leaders with each pack. I wanted to have been out there helping them.

“Some of the children are as young as seven and it’s a very fast road. They’ve made a massive error and there has been no explanation.”

Another parent, who did not wish to be named, said: “We haven’t received an apology, haven’t been invited to a meeting to discuss what happened and haven’t been told how things will be put right. A child could have been killed on that road.

“I’m horrified at what could have happened to our children, there wasn’t a leader in sight. Thank heavens for Simon - if he hadn’t noticed the children, anything could have happened.

“The only reason I know about it was my child being upset once he returned home, having been told off by the leaders for not using their radio and ‘messing around on the road’. Had an adult been present it wouldn’t have happened.

“I honestly think a child could have been killed on that fast road.”

Scouts were trying to cross this section of road when a neighbour came out to help (Image: Google Maps)

A Scouts spokesperson said the cubs were undertaking an activity to develop navigation skills.

"The event had been fully risk assessed and the Cubs had access to torches, high visibility jackets and direct radio contact to volunteer leaders who were waiting at the next meeting spot a short distance away.

"After a misunderstanding with a local resident the young people contacted the leaders and met up with them a short time later.

"The safety of young people in our care is our number one priority at Scouts and we can confirm parental consent and all risk assessments were in place for the activity ensuring the young people were safe and appropriately equipped throughout the session."