Birkenhead Sea Cadets return to Park Road East base eight months after devastating fire

Jun 15 2011 by Matt Hurst, Birkenhead News

Birkenhead Sea Cadets return to Park Road East base eight months after devastating fire

BIRKENHEAD Sea Cadets are going back home, eight months after arsonists destroyed their Park Road East base.

The cadets, aged between ten and 18, are said to be “absolutely amazed and excited” by the refurbishment work, much of which has been completed by kind-hearted local traders.

Phil Atkinson is vice-chairman of Birkenhead Sea Cadets. He told the News: “Like any kids, when they enjoy something and it’s taken away from them, they were all very disappointed.

“They were all quite worried to begin with.

“But we kept the kids interested and now they’re all absolutely amazed and excited and really can’t wait to get back into the unit.

“It’s their unit, for them and they’re really enthusiastic about it.”

As reported by the News, the cadets’ previous hut, a 1950s wooden building, was badly damaged by arsonists in November last year and was no longer safe to use.

But Phil and other staff soon struck up a relationship with Birkenhead Fire Station chiefs, allowing them to keep up parades on the fire station premises.

Phil said: “We’re very grateful to the fire station and have built up a good rapport with them.

“They’ve taken the kids on, let them help with a car wash and walk around town dressed as firemen.

“We’ve had committee meetings there, it’s been fantastic.

“We wouldn’t have got where we are today without them keeping the kids interested in everything.”