09/02/2026
SKRATCH THE KAT - THE TRUE STORY
This is the final post of the unique community project named Skratch the Kat. It is heartbreaking to confirm, for several reasons, that the project can never return.
There is much that I can not discuss or disclose because of third-party involvement.
STK was an officially documented, self-developed, professionally established, Community Fund, registered with Community Action Suffolk, which advised, participated in, and assisted in the entire setup process.
The final portfolio document was submitted to the council, support groups, MP, and other organisations for approval.
Transparency was something we guaranteed, and we were fully endorsed by all the organisations involved, including the charities supported, such as the Royal Anglian Regiment, Royal British Legion, and others.
Even the Lauren campaign Lou for Cancer Research was a recipient at that time because we believed in them.
Community Action Suffolk came to the launch day and filmed the entire proceedings
Every person working was a community volunteer, all having direct/indirect mental health challenges. Nobody at any time received any payment or benefits from the project; only the knowledge that we were trying to help the local community.
We paid for all the work on the project from our own savings, which included ALL the rent, redecoration, painting, roofing, and electrics from the original supply to the units etc. This ran into thousands of pounds. We also undertook galvanising of all our units, also, by request, some of the Lauren Lou units, and also contributed to other work not required by us for the benefit of the yard.
Our total personal financial commitment and loss was £35,000. We did receive a small amount of help in kind, which was offered with one hand and taken back with the other.
We personally were paying full rent up to £1200 a month, even during the many months we had to close due to Covid.
Many things promised to us, to help us, were never realised or taken away. That's all we can say at this time.
This is all public knowledge, so I am not giving anything away or disclosing private information.
We raised and donated thousands of pounds for numerous excellent community projects, regardless of our struggles, overdemands and the price paid by our own mental health.
SKRATCH THE KAT was unique; it set a precedent now widely used across the UK for the re-use of shipping containers.
It is my personal belief that, had we not been lied to, misled and ill-advised, we would have never started the project at the Lauren Lou Yard.
Again i am not allowed to give further information at this time.
Despite serious, unwarranted pressures and accumulating restrictions, we decided, following our initial forced closure, that the project was too good to be left to fail.
We committed everything we had left in the way of funds, physical/mental health, dedication towards a brand new refit and relaunch. A lot of valuable personal effects were sold to help fund the project, and in particular, as later proven, I sacrificed everything to see this project through.
The detailed events of the last year are not available to share for legal reasons. However, as most people know, I lost everything, my relationship, my savings, my health and my safety.
I do remain highly critical of the lack of care by individual members of the council during that time, and I feel it is vital that I take those serious concerns through the official complaints procedure.
Three weeks after reopening, the project was crippled and eventually destroyed by the landlord's enforced and manufactured eviction. We have never received any apology or repayment for such things as the new double-glazed doors, rent, etc. I think everyone in the community is aware of what we received treatment-wise and were absolutely shocked.
I think it is important that the whole community know the truth, and not the lies, slander, and abuse directed at us in the past months by the landlord and their 'prodigy'.
STK will not return, can not return, and it will take years to correct the damage done to our team's mental/physical health.
The severe trauma and impact on my CPTSD arising from recent events have been both life-changing and irreversible.
We remain heartbroken and devastated by recent events, but we remain 100% committed to seeking justice and the truth being revealed.
There's a saying here and overseas that the more money you have, the more there is that you hide. I was told that by a member of the African Government.
It is simply and legally impossible to discuss anything more, but we hope that people have the common sense and credibility to know we have been railroaded and victimised.
Quite simply, we will have our day in court.
I hope the community will come to realise just how much support, dedication and commitment have been lost with this project gone.
Thank you for reading.
Thank you to the hundreds of people who have voiced support.
It's time to walk away, call it a day, and shortly close this page.
This project won several prestigious awards, and was highly acclaimed by the public, also received letters of commendation from many, including the armed forces and royal family.
I will be asking our MP, Council, mental health organisations and Government how something like this can be allowed to happen in this day and age. The perpetrators appear to have been given carte blanche to be allowed to do what they want and walk away.
No doubt, there will now be a lot of bluster and fabrication and other bu****it shared publicly, but my Dad was one of the many who fought for our freedom of speech and ultimately paid a heavy price. Therefore, I am taking this freedom and utilising it whilst we still have a country.
These people are not above the law.
Thank you for reading.
Paul.
We have set commenting to 'friends only' to avoid nasty comments from those trying to hurt or discredit us.
