CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save Chepstow's air training squadron are appealing to the prime minister in a desperate big to stave off closure on September 1.

Cadets, volunteers and parents are campaining to save the squadron after the Air Cadet Organisation (ACO) ordered it to disband next month in an effort to save money.

The squadron’s headquarters in Lower Church Street was condemned due to a sagging roof in August last year, and the ACO plans to amalgamate the Chepstow and Caldicot squadrons rather than spend the £50,000-£60,000 it would cost to fix the roof.

But the town’s cadets say the squadron has been a vital part of Chepstow since the 1940s, and the decision to close it was taken with little consultation.

A letter to Prime Minister David Cameron written on behalf of the people of Chepstow says disbanding the squadron would lead to the loss of a 'vital' local youth service and urged Mr Cameron to grant a ‘stay of execution’ while alternative funding and accommodation for the squadron is considered.

Campaigners have suggested that the community could take ownership of the Lower Church Street building, and raise money for the repairs themselves.

Almost 700 signatures opposing the closure have also been gathered.

The petition, containing 690 names, has now been been sent to Air Commodore Barbara Cooper along with a letter on behalf of the cadets from No 2272 (Chepstow) Squadron Air Training Corp which highlights that clubs and societies like the ATC will be important to Chepstow when more houses are built in the town in the future.

Campaigner Mike Fleetwood said: "I think it is now a case of crossing everything we have and hoping for the best."