Call for more dialogue with MoD over use of training camp to house Afghan nationals
Politicians say a village's residents need more dialogue with the MoD over the use of a military base to house Afghan nationals who helped the UK against the Taliban.
Nesscliffe Training Area has been used as part of the Government's Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP).
The scheme is intended to provide safety for Afghan citizens who worked for, or with the UK Government in Afghanistan, who were at risk from the Taliban.
Around 200 Afghan nationals have been living at the training area since last year, while the government finds them settled accommodation.
The Ministry of Defence has said: "We owe a debt of gratitude to Afghans who risked their lives working for and alongside UK forces in Afghanistan."
Both Shrewsbury & Atcham's Conservative MP, Daniel Kawczynski, and local Tory Councillor for Loton, Ed Potter, say local residents want more dialogue with the MoD about the long-term plans for the camp.
In a letter to Defence Minister, Grant Shapps, Mr Kawczynski said: "Nesscliffe Training Camp is situated in my constituency. It is currently providing accommodation for our large number of refugees and their families from Afghanistan who supported us during our operation in the country.
"Residents of the small rural village of Nesscliffe and the local councillor have expressed their concerns about the lack of the information we have received from the Ministry of Defence.
"A better understanding of how long the camp will be used to accommodate refugees needs to be established.
"My constituents have welcomed their new neighbours, but they want to know the MoD's plans for the future of the camp."
Mr Kawczynski signs off the letter by asking Mr Shapps for a "timeline for continuing to use the Nesscliffe Training Camp".
Councillor Potter said: "I am calling on the MoD to urgently establish some lines of communication with the community, either through myself or whoever, so questions can be answered, concerns can be allayed and offers of support can be directed to where they are most needed.
"When there is a vacuum rumours and speculation mount to fill the space where there is no information and that needs to stop because it is causing division within a very small tight-knit community."
Responding to the calls a Ministry of Defence Spokesman said: “We are honouring our commitment to those brave Afghans that supported the UK mission in Afghanistan.
"So far, we have brought around 27,900 people to safety from Afghanistan, including thousands of deserving Afghans eligible for our Afghan resettlement schemes.
“To ensure families can begin a settled life in the UK as quickly as possible, the UK Government is offering transitional and settled accommodation from the Defence Estate, including a transitional site at Nesscliffe Training Area."