TA to leave Rugby, Government confirms

THE Territorial Army is to leave Rugby.

Soldiers from the 89 Signal Squadron, based at the centre on Edward Street, will relocate to Coventry after the centre was named as one of 35 considered to be surplus to requirements.

It is however understood the centre itself could stay open and continue to train the 29(F) Rugby Air Cadets and Rugby Sea Cadets.

And it The Observer understands it may even become a new base for the Royal Logistics Corps regiment currently based at Deepcut Barracks in Surrey which has also been earmarked for closure.

The announcement came as part of controversial government reforms announced by Defence Secretary Philip Hammond which will see a reduction of Army Reserve bases from 334 to 308.

The TA will also be renamed the Army Reserves.

The decision was confirmed in a letter to Rugby MP Mark Pawsey from armed forces minister Andrew Robathan.

He wrote: “The Defence Infrastructure Organisation will look carefully at the facilities to see whether there is an alternative use for the site

“In any case, alternative facilities will be provided for the local Cadet Force (or any other lodgers) before the property is considered for disposal.

“The Army is keen to ensure all reservists currently serving in the TA have the opportunity to continue to serve in the fully integrated Army.”

Mr Pawsey spoke of his disappointment at the decision.

But added: “It doesn't necessarily mean that the site is going to close. The question is, if you take the TA out, whether or not the site remains viable.

“In an ideal world, we'd much rather keep the TA there. But if that's the decision that's been taken, we need to understand what the implications are for the site, and I'll be doing what I can to support those activities that continue to take place there.

“I shall be working closely with the bodies who occupy the site to understand fully what they use it for, and advance as strong a case as I can to keep the site open.”

The Reserve Forces changes are expected to be complete by 2016.

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