A controversial decision to evict a group of County Durham Scouts from their building has been defended by a committee who said the decision was not taken “without reasons”.

The Newton Aycliffe Scouts Supporters Association (NASSA) issued the notice to the 1st Newton Aycliffe Scouts on August 1, giving them 28 days to permanently leave the building.

This comes some 40 years after the premises on Bluebell Way was built after a community fundraising drive to give the Scouts a permanent home. But following the notice to quit, the group has been forced to relocate to The Navy Club, nearby, to continue meeting.

Read more: Newton Aycliffe Scouts: Devastation as committee evicts group

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During the notice period, former and current members attempted to overturn the decision by trying to call an extraordinary meeting, saying they could not understand the reason for the Scouts removal.

Said plan to organise an extraordinary meeting was unsuccessful, as the committee had suspended new applications.

The full statement from the NASSA management committee, posted on social media, reads: “On Tuesday, August 1, the committee debated and passed a motion to dis-affiliate the 1st Newton Aycliffe Scout Group from the Newton Aycliffe Scout Supporters Association.

“This decision was not taken lightly or without reason and fully complies with the constitution.

“Twenty-eight days’ notice to leave the premises was given to the scout group. The constitution of NASSA allows for an appeal to be lodged during this 28-day period - no such appeal was received by the end of the 28 days.

“Correspondence was received, querying the terms of the notice - however, no request for an appeal was mentioned. Neither of the other two groups affiliated to NASSA have been asked to leave.

“Both groups are welcome to continue using the facilities of NASSA. There is a lot of disinformation circulating regarding rent payable to NASSA by the scout groups. No rent is payable by the scout groups.

“There is however a compulsory annual affiliation fee for each group. Payment is due within one month of the date of the AGM, based on the number of members attending meetings.

“There are no plans to close or sell the buildings or land occupied by NASSA, the committee are all dedicated volunteers raising money to fund the building and support the affiliated groups.”

The 1st Newton Aycliffe Scouts have previously said they were not given a reason for the eviction or the right to a hearing.

A statement on social media last week read: “We are deeply disappointed by the decision of the committee to give us notice to leave the premises, especially when, in our opinion, it has not been done in line with the constitution.

“Not only do they not have 'good and sufficient reason' as required, but they have not allowed us our right to a hearing.”

Durham County Councillor Neville Jones, whose father was one of those who originated the idea for the Scout building, said he believes the NASSA statement has answered “nobody's questions”.

He added: “The Scouts are still left in the dark as to why they are being removed.”

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Previously, Cllr Jones said: “The centre took a lot of effort to fundraise for and to build, and it was built for the sole purpose of being for the good of all Scouts.

“The idea that we are now excluding some Scouts from a Scout building is totally unacceptable.”

Members of the public have the opportunity to contribute to a discussions about the removal at Great Aycliffe Town Council, as the topic has been added to the agenda of the next meeting on September 13.