INSTEAD of racing their model boats, members of the newly-founded West End Radio Control (R/C) Club have found themselves floundering in a sea of bureaucratic wrangling, according to one enthusiast.

For the past two months the group have been seeking a spot in the West End where hobbyists can enjoy their sport. Unfortunately, the group have had their plans scuttled with one West End resident complaining about noise and allegations of water pollution.

Long-time R/C enthusiast Vernon Smith struck back at the land-lubbing naysayers.

"The exhausts that are used on the boats keep noise to a minimum and, compared to full-scaled watercraft, the models don't pollute the water.

"The oil that is used as a lubricant is usually castor-based. With the design of the mufflers and tuned pipes that are available the amount of oil-based residue is greatly reduced.

"The amount of residue, if any, gets into the water compared to the full-sized watercraft we see out there."

Mr. Smith said he was concerned the problem was compounded by the unavailability of an area in which to enjoy the sport. "We requested an area for the winter months and we had in writing the times we were hoping to run. I have visited the Somerset Police Station in hopes of some clarification. I'm also waiting from a call from a representative from the Department of Parks. So far, all we have had is the runaround."

With the summer months approaching, Mr. Smith said fellow hobbyists and himself had been inundated with phone calls from neighbourhood kids and parents asking when the club would be up and running.

Meetings with the Department of Youth, Sport & Recreation were in the works, Mr. Smith added. "We already have the club constitution written up and the next step is to nail down a time when we can have a meeting with the representatives of Youth & Sport.

"So far we have been bounced from department to another and all we would like is to find out where we stand as a club. We have looked into insurance for the club, have our own first aid supplies in case of the worst-case scenario, transportation and cell phones. All our ducks are in a row."

Mr. Smith praised Opposition Parliamentary candidates in the West End for listening to his concerns, but expressed dismay over why the area's four Government MPs had so far given him the cold shoulder.

"We don't even have a youth centre here at the West End and the R/C club is the next best thing; we're keeping kids off the streets, giving them a constructive and positive activity to participate in.

"Not every kid wants to or can go camping. Now we're just hoping to find a spot where it is ideal for us to run our boats," he added.