Petition launched to save Glencorse Barracks

Friday January 13th 2017

Glencorse Barracks

All six Councillors of the Penicuik and Midlothian West community, MSP Christine Grahame, residents and Midlothian MP Owen Thompson have united in cross-party support to retain Glencorse Barracks as an armed forces base and to oppose the Ministry of Defence announcement to close the base by 2032.

They have now launched a petition which is set to be delivered to the House of Commons by Midlothian MP Owen Thompson.

The petition also invites Defence Secretary Michael Fallon to visit the site as part of the Ministry of Defence review of armed force bases currently underway and also calls for further clarification over the timeline of the winding down period for the Barracks.

Owen Thompson, MP for Midlothan said:

“Glencorse Barracks is fit for purpose following its £60 million upgrade in 2005 when it was hailed by the Ministry of Defence as ‘bench-mark accommodation’. It therefore makes no financial sense to close Glencorse given that it is already at the standard required for a modern army base and needs no major works to continue to operate effectively and efficiently.”

Christine Graeme, MSP for Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale said:

“The history of Glencorse from the Napoleonic war through to the present day is well documented and there is no doubt that the base is an integral part of the wider Penicuik community. Armed Forces personnel and their families are involved in all aspects of the town, the arguments backing up the retention of Glencorse are strong.”

Kelly Parry, Councillor for Midlothian West said:

“There are growing valid concerns for the continuing maintenance of the barracks over the intervening years and a need for clarity over the timeline of the winding down period. The community also have concerns that the closure will damage both the local economy and the local communities’ historic links with the base. The MoD need to urgently give us answers.”

Anyone wishing to download copies of the petition may do so by clicking HERE

Tweet Share on Facebook  
 

Subscribe to the Midlothian View newsletter




Support Midlothian View from as little as £1. It only takes a minute. Thank you.

Comments are closed.