BOLTON’S Sea Cadets could close within weeks — because it can no longer afford the rent on its base.

The Cadets, which has been in the town since 1942, pays £1,000 per month to Bolton Council for the rent on the former vicarage in Castle Street.

But the unit is struggling to make ends meet as costs such as heating and electricity continue to rise, pushing them near to closure.

Petty Officer Cadet Daniel Edmondson, aged 16, said: “The Sea Cadets is hugely beneficial to the whole community in Bolton.

“There are more than 100 activities we can organise, including sailing competitions and regattas. We rely on the public to help us, but costs are rising and if we don’t find cash soon, we will have to close.”

The Bolton unit, which has 50 per cent of its running costs met by the Royal Navy, has 45 Cadets and is run by 15 volunteers.

They take part in civic events including the Remembrance Day parade, Merchant’s Day and the Armed Forces Day.

The Cadets also gives young people the chance to work towards qualifications such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award and BTEC national diplomas.

Civilian Instructor Jennifer Kirk added: “Groups like ourselves and the Scouts have suffered because the downturn has made it difficult to get funding.

“The Cadets are out fund raising but it is taking them away from the activities they signed up to do. That is putting some of them off, so it is a vicious circle.

“If the unit was to close, it would be difficult to restart because all the boats and equipment would have been returned to the Royal Navy.”

Bolton North East Conservative prospective parliamentary candidate Deborah Dunleavy was contacted by the Cadets and plans to write to the council to try to resolve the situation.

She said: “In most other parts of the country, the Cadets get premises at a peppercorn rate, but that is not the case in Bolton.

“We should be doing everything we can to help any organisation which offers support to young people in Bolton.”

A council spokesman said: “We will explore all the options and do everything we can to help the Cadets.”

To help the Sea Cadets stay in Bolton, contact the club by logging on to units.ms-sc.org/bolton or by calling 01204 526749.