Shrewsbury MP meets Defence Secretary over future of Copthorne Barracks
Shrewsbury’s MP has met with the Defence Secretary in order to discuss the future of the Copthorne Barracks site.
The meeting follows the announcement that 143 Brigade will be moving from Copthorne Barracks to Donnington in 2015.
In a meeting held in the Ministry of Defence, Daniel Kawczynski MP discussed with the Rt Hon Phil Hammond MP details surrounding the move by 143 Brigade, currently based at Copthorne Barracks, to Donnington where they will merge with 11th Signal Brigade. Daniel also pressed the question with regards to what will happen with the site at Copthorne after the merger takes place in 2015.
Daniel said of the meeting "I was pleased and very much agree with the praise that the Secretary of State gave to Shrewsbury in acknowledging our long standing commitment and bonds to the armed forces. Whilst I was disappointed to learn that 143 Brigade will be leaving Shrewsbury, I was pleased to be able to re-enforce to the Secretary of State our desire for Copthorne Barracks to maintain some provision for reservists.
"We also discussed the future of the barracks. I made the point that whenever the site is disposed of, its future use should be one that is beneficial to our community and brings jobs and investment. The Secretary of State assured me that his Department will be in close contact with me and the authorities in Shropshire to consult on how they proceed with the site at Copthorne, and I have started communication with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), the body responsible for managing the MoD’s property infrastructure."
The Unitary and Town Councillor for Copthorne, Peter Nutting said: "I regret the loss of the army presence in Copthorne but we must press to keep the sports facilities on site available to local people. I strongly believe the site should remain in employment use and not become another housing site - jobs are vital for the town."
