A NEWPORT group’s access path once dubbed “a health and safety nightmare” has been repaired, to the delight of its users.

Tireless work by Ann Bowen, secretary and treasurer of Newport Sea Cadets has led to the once pothole-ridden, unlit and overgrown 100-yard route off Morgan Street being transformed, with the help of former Newport cabinet member Cllr Ed Townsend.

Green Hill Construction, Newport, kindly installed two lights free of charge, which means the group’s members, aged ten to 18 years, feel safer.

In the past the building, which has been their base since the early 1950s, has been the victim of vandalism.

In September 2011 the Argus reported that the club had suffered two break-ins within three months, causing hundreds of pounds’ worth of damage, including smashed windows, cardboard boxes set on fire and items including a kettle and a toaster stolen. Its most recent problem was lead being taken from its roof before Christmas.

The area affected has tarpaulin covering it and Mrs Bowen hopes the path improvements will be the instigator for an interior refurbishment.

She said: “I have worked tirelessly to try and do something, we now have a vastly improved lane. The inside of the building is under-used, it would be ideal for other community groups.”