Shropshire Star

Clive Barracks: Calls for country park, shops and a sports academy at Army base

A country park, sports academy, affordable homes and a supermarket are among the facilities people would like to see created when Clive Barracks closes by 2020.

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Clive Barracks

More than 50 people have taken part in an online survey to find out what they would like to see happen to the barracks in Tern Hill.

While some people think it will be an excellent opportunity to boost the local economy and tourism in the area, others believe the site should be left alone and redevelopment could take business away from Market Drayton.

Commenting on the survey on the Drayton Crier Facebook page, Graham Edwards said: "A college for sports primarily, but other things that the young people of Shropshire are interested in.

"We have enough agricultural colleges in Shropshire so ask younger generations what they would like."

Sian Williams said: "I'd like an affordable supermarket and a small retail park. We have to go 20 miles in any direction to get to our nearest one."

Leonard Surridge said: "It could be made into a village with affordable houses to rent and private houses for sale, sports grounds and shops. It could be great. It needs real thought."

Karen Love posted: "A country park would be a great idea."

But David Harris said: "The town of Tern Hill as it will be will end up killing off Market Drayton completely.

"If it has shops, schools, etc then why would anyone there go to Market Drayton for anything?"

Helen Meredith added: "They should leave it alone and keep the barracks for the Army lads. We have always had soldiers there."

The survey comes after North Shropshire MP Owen Paterson spoke of his disappointment that no residents had contacted him to say how they would like the barracks be redeveloped.

The MoD, which revealed the site in Tern Hill will close by 2020 and has the potential to provide land for up to 600 houses, has said the money from the sales will be ploughed back into defence spending.

Clive Barracks opened in 1916.

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