BUCKMORE Park, the Chatham Scouting centre which halted a planned visit by the Queen, needs £5 million to complete the project.

Centre bosses are launching a 50th anniversary appeal to raise money for essential work that still needs to be done. They are also in dispute with the Government over claims for up to £1.25m in compensation.

The centre's financial difficulties meant that work that should have been finished in time for the Queen's proposed visit on March 28 could not be completed.

Buckmore Park blamed unsightly roadworks for calling off the visit. But Cecil Whitehead, a trustee and Buckmore Park stalwart for more than 50 years, said bad weather had also caused delays to projects that should have been ready in time for the Queen's visit.

He was disappointed the Queen would not be visiting the Park this month but it was no good going off at half-cock." He had not given up hope of Her Majesty opening Buckmore Park in her Jubilee year.

"From discussions we've had, we are led to believe that's a great possibility," said Mr Whitehead. But he admitted that finance was an issue for the park. "A lot of things we were hoping to get completed have not been possible because the Government hasn't paid us," he stressed.

The Government promised compensation when the old centre made way for the M2 widening scheme and Channel Tunnel Rail Link.

But a dispute over the level of compensation is only likely to be decided by a Lands Tribunal in several months' time. Mr Whitehead said the sum could be as high as £1.25m.

"There are a lot of things we feel are needed as part of the equivalent reinstatement. We feel we've not been treated very fairly."

Lack of money is forcing the park to hold up payment to some suppliers and the gymnasium still needs mirrors and screens. Money from the anniversary appeal, which has won the support of several influential patrons, will be spent on more toilet blocks, better roads, more accommodation, and an extra sports hall.

"We will get there in the end but it's a long slow process," Mr Whitehead said.

The Queen will be in Kent on March 28 to distribute Maundy Money in Canterbury and unveil a plaque at the University of Kent at Medway.