In response to the letter from city councillors Beverley Hazell and Mary Clarkson, Scout hut work brings benefits (Oxford Mail, May 23), I am in this picture and, yes, I am related to Michael Haines's agent.

The reason that I'm there is to see for myself the state of disrepair in the Scout hut in Marston Road, Oxford, after it had been refurbished.

I wonder how stupid they think Marston people are?

Thirty years ago, many of us residents went regularly to bingo in this hut and it looked the same inside then!

In the past, I inquired about using this hut for a youth club and was told that the Scouts use it most days.

Whenever I have been passing on a bus, it always seemed empty, day or night.

Before the Islamic Centre was built, residents were invited to discuss the money the community would gain.

The recreation ground was one of our suggestions. I was particularly interested because earlier, when all other recs gained a basketball net plus lights, Croft Road was left out.

When I rang the Town Hall to discuss this, I was told by a council employee that we would not get it now because they had run out of money.

Obviously this old chestnut is over, and the Scout hut is the next Bermuda Triangle, where funds put aside for residents are lost.

Refurbishment this ain't, whitewash maybe.

The truth is that when questions were asked, workmen moved into this hut, slapped on a bit of paint and fitted a few fixtures.

A ramp has been laid, but minus a hand-rail, which perhaps may be a bit hazardous.

Who decorates a building and leaves holes in the roof as well as in the windows, which are really filthy in rotting frames?

I wouldn't be writing letters of self-congratulation if I were either Mary Clarkson or Beverley Hazell. Disgraceful!

SUSAN TOWNSEND

Croft Road, Marston, Oxford