Delays and soaring costs could rob cadets of dream new base

AN ARMY cadet group's dreams for a new base could be dashed if the cost is too high.Although building developer Derek Mead has offered to lease part of his land off Ebdon Road in Wick St Lawrence to the Worle Army Cadets, Sergeant Major Paul Ziegler fears they may be told putting a new base there is not financially viable.The cadets had been using the grounds of Worle Junior Football Club, in Midhaven Rise until the buildings there were set on fire before Christmas and had to be knocked down. Sgt Major Ziegler said: "We had a site meeting with cadet officials last month and we were told the area was suitable for a hut."A works officer from The Reserve Forces Cadet Organisation (RFCO) will now have to figure out how much it will all cost. But if it costs too much it won't go anywhere."It is better than having no light at the end of the tunnel but it's all to do with money. It is now completely out of my hands."If the decision is made to go ahead we will then have to go for planning and then the council may drag its heels."Even if the plans get the go-ahead it could still take 18 months to get a permanent base."The Worle platoon of the army cadets has suffered after several bouts of vandalism. Part of its base was first burnt out in 2005 and the buildings had to be demolished in December when they were burnt beyond repair.At one point the cadets were forced to parade in the car park of The Old Manor pub, off Cornwallis Avenue. They then had to use an underpass under the busy Queens Way. They now have to travel to Clevedon when the weather is too bad and they also gather in Weston Woods occasionally.