THE Territorial Army Centre in Bolton will stay open despite government cuts announced this week — but the part-time soldiers will no longer be paid to train.

The cuts have been slammed by Tory leader Cllr John Walsh who also raised concerns about TA soldiers’ traditional Remembrance Day parade.

He said: “It is a very serious issue. The government have got themselves in a mess, but they should not be cutting back on keeping reserve troops up to standard.

“I am worried as to what the cuts mean for Remembrance Sunday. Are we going to have any TA soldiers?”

Cllr Walsh learned of the cutbacks after a veterans dinner at the Nelson Street barracks was cancelled at short notice.

Soldiers have previously been given an allowance for time spent training, but the TA has fallen victim to cost cutting within the Army.

Some TA soldiers are currently serving in Afghanistan and others are in training. But the cuts in funding will not affect these men and women.

The Army said TA soldiers could still play a part on Remembrance Sunday.

A spokesman added: “There will be no funds available to pay soldiers for their TA duties until April 2010.

“Everything can still be done but it all depends on it being unpaid. There is no anticipation that any of the TA centres will be closed.

“If a TA soldier wants to parade in uniform on Remembrance Day then they will be very much encouraged to do so — but they will not be paid for their service.”