BRECON’S historic Army barracks will close after more than 200 years following a Ministry of Defence review.

The decision, announced by Defence Secretary Michael Falon in Parliament, has come a few days before people all across the country will come together to commemorate those who lost their lives fighting for the armed forces on Remembrance Day.

The Barracks, situated on The Watton in Brecon and has been an integral part of Brecon’s history and military town since 1805 and the proposed closure will see the building sold off in 2027.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed that the Infantry Battle School at Derring Lines and the training ground at Sennybridge will remain unaffected.

Since it opened 211 years ago, the site has housed troops who were sent to the battle at Rorke’s Drift before it was extended in the late 19th century and becoming home to the 160th infantry brigade.

It is now the Army headquarters in Wales and has operational command of four British Army units, 1st Battalion The Rifles, 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment, 6th Battalion The Rifles and 2nd Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment.

Chris Davies MP for Brecon and Radnorshire condemned the UK Government for announcing the proposed closure and described the decision as "abhorrent" and said he would be fighting the decision "every step of the way".

The decision has also been met with strong criticism from Welsh Liberal Democrats Brecon and Radnorshire AM Kirsty Williams and Labour councilor Matthew Dorrance is also opposed to the proposed closure plans.

Chris Davies MP has started a petition which can be found on his website at http://conservativesurvey.co.uk/index.php?sid=77126&lang=en

For the full story get your copy of this week’s Brecon and Radnor Express - on sale now.