Hundreds of names have already been signed in a petition calling on the Ministry of Defence to scrap the decision to close Fulwood Barracks.
AdvertisementOn Monday night Preston learned decades of the military being based in the city will come to an end.
The news came just days before Remembrance weekend when the city will pause to remember those who gave their lives in conflicts for our fredoms.
And comes in the wake of a number of Armed Forces Days on the Flag Market each summer which have seen attendances surge each year – including from troops and their families.
Preston would no longer be a ‘military city’ as the troops and units would be stationed at Weeton.
Wyre and Preston North MP Ben Wallace is backing the petition.
He said: “I am deeply disappointed with the announcement. Fulwood Barracks is an important part of the history and culture of Preston and is vital as a link between the local Regiment and the population. The North West recruits over 20 per cent of the armed forces yet we are devoid of bases. It is an especially odd decision given on a couple of years ago the MOD moved back a regular unit of the Royal Medical Corps.”
“I am going to take this to the Minister responsible and make a robust case to reject the closure. I shall also be approaching the Duke of York’s Regimental Association to ask for their support in battling this move.”
Preston’s MP Mark Hendrick was furious with the decision, with Preston City Council leader councillor Peter Rankin also hitting out over a lack of consultation with city leaders.
The Ministry of Defence said it was part of a modernisation programme, but this decision comes less than a year after a fairly major planning application was tabled for developments at the Barracks.
The petition, which needs 10,000 signatures, has been set up by Iain Lynn – social media editor at the Lancashire Evening Post.
Will you be signing? What do you think about the decision? Let us know in the comments below