A HOST of Scout and Guide groups are under threat of closure because of a shortage of leaders.

A Guide and Brownie unit in Bewdley will close this summer unless replacement leaders are found.

And county Scout and Guide publicity officer Peter Johnson said a widespread shortage of help across the district was also threatening other groups.

The Bewdley Guide unit, which is not being named to avoid alarming members, is at most immediate risk, but town Scout units will also be in jeopardy unless a quickfire replacement is found for district commissioner Rob Williams, who this month retires after five years in the post.

Mr Johnson, who himself runs the Far Forest Scout section, said: "If I was ill or detained by work or family commitments, the weekly meetings just would not take place.

"It is imperative I find other leaders to help me run the group because the Scouts at Far Forest are extremely enthusiastic and deserve to be able to experience the wide range of opportunities that Scouting has to offer."

He added leaders served the organisations for an average of about two years, which caused a constant merry-go-round of changes.

Meanwhile, Stourport Scout district commissioner Chris Reynolds has leaders doubling-up on jobs in his unit, with some Scout leaders also having to run cub packs and beaver colonies.

He said: "When Mr Williams gives up his post my own voluntary workload is poised to double if the proposed amalgamation of the Stourport and Bewdley districts takes place.

"It will increase my responsibilities, but I see it as the only resourceful way ahead to make the best use of leader resources unless we get more help."

There are also major leader recruitment problems at a Scout group in the Franche area of Kidderminster and in Abberley and Witley Guides district commissioner Janice Stokes is co-ordinating the units single-handedly.

Anyone who would like to become a leader can contact Mr Johnson on 01299 400821.