LEGAL wrangling has delayed the construction of a brand new, purpose-built headquarters for Alcester's army cadets.

The cadets have funding from the Ministry of Defence for the £120,000 HQ and want to build it on the site of one of the former Scout huts at the back of the Greig Centre.

But centre trustees have so far failed to agree the terms of the contract.

Major Brian Redding, of Warwickshire Army Cadet Force, said: "We have had the money for some time but there would appear to be a problem over the leasing agreement.

"The trustees want us to put break clauses in but if we are spending that sort of money, we need security of tenure."

Maj Redding added: "This hut should have been up months ago.

"At the moment, the cadets are being pushed from pillar to post but as soon as they get the hut, they will go from strength to strength."

The proposed hut will be a modular construction and measure 140 sq metres.

The Alcester unit was formed more than 30 years ago and has rented two different huts at the Greig Centre, both of which they vacated because of their deteriorating condition.

At the moment, the cadets have to meet in different rooms within the main hall building.

There are 15 cadets, ranging in age from 12 to 18, but Maj Redding believes numbers will grow as soon as they have a permanent home.

"What they need is a sense of belonging and when you give them that, the numbers will increase.

"We would like to be parading about 25 cadets from there."

Phil Talbot, chairman of trustees, declined to comment.

The cadets meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7.30-9.30pm and anyone who would like more details about their activities can call Maj Redding on 0121 427 6655.