VOLUNTEERS who help to run the St Helens Unit of the Sea Cadets Corps have launched a desperate plea for help with funding and refurbishment work in a bid to avoid the closure of their barracks.

The St Helens unit, TS Scimitar, was founded in 1942 and has been based in its present home at the Mill Street barracks for the last 16 years where it provides boys and girls between the ages of 12 and 18, with training in sailing, boat work and seamanship, as well as classes in communications, rope work, engineering, boat maintenance and drill. They also attend various expeditions and most receive training for the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.

However, the building is 136 years old and although it was refurbished when the cadets first took over in 1981, they have been fighting a losing battle in recent years to bring it up to the necessary standard.

And to make matters worse, the barracks have now become the target of vandals and thieves, whose uninvited visits have become more frequent - at least four this year alone - leaving the unit with even more damage to pay for.

Vera Chadwick, one of the volunteers who is trying to raise funds for the unit, told the Star: "The situation is critical at the moment. With the meagre resources available, it has only been possible to do the minimum of repairs and the recent burglaries and vandalism have heightened the problem. "

If you think you can help in any way, you can visit the unit on Monday or Thursday evenings between 7 and 9pm or ring (01744) 20193 between the same times.

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