Frustration grows over delays to Air Cadets building reopening

Residents and cadets in Melksham say they are frustrated after months of delays to the reopening of the Air Cadets building in Bowerhill.

The 2385 Air Cadets Squadron building has been closed since last February for safety-related remedial work. It had initially been expected to reopen this month, however, the Ministry of Defence now says works are due to be completed by August.

Parents say the closure has disrupted what was once a thriving squadron of more than 60 young people, with cadets travelling to Bradford-on-Avon twice a week to attend meetings, until the squadron was offered use of the Army Cadets building following a Melksham News report highlighting concerns over the ongoing closure.

While more accessible, residents say it is not ideal because cadets cannot access their own equipment and resources.

One resident said, “Cadets are stalwartly continuing to attend, although numbers now have now depleted further. Whilst all involved are doing their best to provide a meaningful experience for the cadets, it is nowhere near what they had before, including participating in community events. Their resources are under lock and key, not easily accessible for their use. To add insult to injury they are still having to pay full monthly subscriptions for a severely limited experience.

“This is a frustrating situation for all, but most importantly for the cadets. It is a much-needed resource for the young people of Melksham and would be a big loss to the community.”