CONSERVATIVES were knocked back after attempting to start a war of words last night in a bid to save Bolton's Territorial Army units.

Tory councillors wanted to press Labour-dominated Bolton Council to hit out against Labour Government proposals to close Bolton's Derby Barracks in Fletcher Street.

But the verbal bullets failed to fly at Bolton Council meeting as the Tories failed in their battle tactics to force a debate on the issue.

Closure

As previously reported in the BEN, the unit based at the Derby Barracks in Fletcher Street home to Detachment B of Company 4 of the Queen's Lancashire Regiment, as well as an army cadet force, has been selected for closure in a wide-ranging national review of the TA.

But Bolton Tories have vowed the proposal will not be implemented without a fight.

Cllr John Walsh had urged council leaders to demand an urgent meeting with Defence Secretary George Robertson in a notice of motion on the council order paper.

The move has been backed by Conservative shadow defence spokesman John Maples.

Cllr John Walsh said: "It is terribly important to keep the TA unit.

"Not only does it provide training and jobs for adults, there is a cadet unit for young people. The Dido Training ship was recently re-placed there when it lost its base on St George's Road." The closure, announced last month, is part of proposed cuts in the Weekend Warriors leaving 41,200 reserve soldiers in the country, 12,800 fewer than at present.

Tories believe the cuts could have a severe effect on the area's ability to cope with civil emergencies, such as recent floods in Wales and Western England.

Leader of the council Cllr Bob Howarth said: "I can well understand the regret that people would have if it were to close."

He added he was to meet with veterans and old soldiers tommorow together with Bolton Council chief executive Bernard Knight to discuss the matter.

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