CONSERVATIVES will start a war of words tonight in a bid to save Bolton's Territorial Army units.

Tory councillors will press Labour-dominated Bolton Council to hit out against the Government's plans to close Bolton's Derby Barracks.

The verbal bullets will fly at the Bolton Council meeting tonight as the Tories try to force a debate on the issue.

The unit based at the 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 TA review.

Bolton Tories have lodged a notice of motion with Bolton Council, urging council leaders to demand an urgent meeting with Defence Secretary George Robertson. The move has been backed by Shadow defence spokesman John Maples.

Important

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.

"It is a loss of facilities to the community, which the council doesn't even have to pay for. Will it now fund more youth centres?"

The closure 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.

Council leader Cllr Bob Howarth said: "I can well understand the regret that people would have if it were to close. Whether tonight's meeting is the best place to discuss it will remain to be seen. However we will listen carefully to all the points made."

He was to meet with veterans and old soldiers on Friday, together with Bolton Council chief executive Bernard Knight, to discuss the matter.

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