A GROUP of Rainbows, Brownies and Guides that moved half a mile to its new home has been ordered out for encroaching on another pack's territory.

The 37 girls, aged five to 14, who meet at Primrose Hill Chapel, Netherton, have been told they must find another venue back in the Cradley Heath and Rowley district.

The group moved the short distance from its original base at Northfield Road Primary School to more suitable premises at the chapel in Chapel Street, which is just inside the Netherton Guiding district, six months ago.

It meant they had more room, access to a kitchen and could start up the popular Rainbow section which attracts 15 five to seven-year-olds each week.

Mum Paula Bladon, whose daughter Isobel, is a Rainbow, said: “We don't want to go. The group is full and popular and all the girls and parents are committed to the groups.”

She added that the leaders had gained permission to move from their district commissioner and that the girls and their parents particularly liked the link with the chapel where they attend parade services.

But divisional commissioner Chris Spencer has written to the group saying that after discussing the matter with the existing Netherton pack “the only way forward is for you to find another venue.”

In the letter she states that the switch from Northfield Road to the chapel was carried out against her advice and knowledge and suggests they could move to St Peter's Church, within their former district.

She adds that one reason for her decision is that the group is unwilling to move its meeting night from a Wednesday, which she fears could cause conflict with the established Netherton group which meets the same night.

Mrs Bladon said the chapel could only accommodate them on a Wednesday and Deacon John Williams said it would be a “shame” if they had to leave, “For the sake of a few meters it seems a lot of bureaucracy for not a lot of reason,” he added.

Mrs Bladon said parents and leaders were writing to the Girl Guiding hierarchy objecting to the decision and, following a call from the Dudley News, a spokeswoman for Girl Guiding in the Midlands said the matter would be investigated.

“We are concerned that the change of venue for one of our Guide groups may have caused confusion and a breakdown in communication. It is our intention to meet with those involved as soon as possible, to resolve this issue,” she said.