Brecon Barracks is saved!
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has told the House of Commons that after careful consideration the Ministry of Defence plan to retain the site on the Watton in Brecon. It had been scheduled to close in 2027.
The Ministry of Defence announced they were to close the British Army's Welsh headquarters at Brecon, Powys, following a planned shake-up of UK military buildings and resettling of regiments in 2016. Brecon and Radnorshire Conservatives had condemned the planned closure and have since campaigned to reverse the closure.
Fay Jones said
"Since my election, I have lobbied ministers & the Prime Minister himself. I am so pleased they have committed to keeping the Barracks in Brecon open. It is not only a huge part of our history, it is operationally crucial as well"
The planned closure in 2027 would have had a devastating effect on the community, affecting local businesses, local jobs, growth in the rural economy as well a closing a door on part of Welsh military history.
The announcement will also see a £320 million investment in Wales increasing the army footprint, with the Welsh cavalry being repatriated to Monmouthshire and a basing of a reserve unit in Wrexham.
James Evans said
"This is fantastic news. Well done to all the activists locally who fought tooth and nail since 2016 to keep the barracks open. It still hasn’t quite sunk in that Brecon Barracks will be staying as the home to the British Army in Wales. The five year battle to prevent the proposed closure of the barracks has finally come to an end. I would like to personally thank all those who campaigned, signed petitions, spoke out and fought to keep our barracks open."
We echo Fay & James words in thanking all involved in the campaign. It would not be right to celebrate the news that our Barracks has a long term future without mentioning the role that Chris Davies played in delivering this decision. Chris campaigned for the retention of the Barracks at every opportunity and welcomed Ministers and other senior Parliamentarians to Brecon to demonstrate just how important the Brecon establishment was to the Army and to our area. We have been fortunate in having both Chris and then Fay battling away in Westminster, so vociferously supported back at home by James and Iain McIntosh. They all deserve our thanks and congratulations.
