Countdown to closure of Shropshire barracks due by end of year, campaigners told
A clear timetable of events leading up to the closure of Clive Barracks, near Market Drayton, should be revealed by the end of the year, it has emerged.
A task force launched to ensure that the closure and redevelopment of Clive Barracks runs smoothly after it closes in 2020 has met for the first time.
North Shropshire MP Owen Paterson, who is behind the group, said yesterday's meeting with defence minister Mark Lancaster was a success as it bids to reduce the impact the closure will have on people in the area.
It comes weeks after the Ministry of Defence announced it will be closing the barracks, which is home to the 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment, to make way for hundreds of new homes.
The base is one of 10 sites across the country that will be disposed of by the MoD to generate extra money and provide land for up to 7,000 homes. Mr Paterson said one of the aims of the group is to visit former military sites which have closed and been redeveloped.
"It was very useful. Of course we are sad to see the Royal Irish go but if they are moving to better accommodation we can't stop them from going," he said.
"What we don't want is for the area to go into a black hole in 2020 with nothing planned.
"There is no formal plan yet and we have asked for a formal timetable once they have done it.
"In the meantime we have asked for a list of other former military sites which have been developed. We will then go talking to local councils, the new owners and representatives from the surrounding area on how to do it and how not to do it."
Yesterday's meeting was held in London and among those also attending were David Minnery, Shropshire councillor for Market Drayton, Ludlow MP Philip Dunne, and Clive Wright, chief executive of Shropshire Council.
Mr Paterson added: "We should have a clear timetable by Christmas and a better idea of how other people have done it.
"What I would really be interested in finding out is what local people would like and what sort of development they would want, whether it's a manufacturing centre, hotel, or domestic housing.
"It's a very big site with room for more than just housing."
