Sadness over closing of Shropshire's Clive Barracks

A new base will need to be found for The 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment, currently based at the barracks, and up to 600 houses could be built on the site.

Residents have voiced their concerns about the impact the regiment leaving and new homes will have on employment and local amenities such as schools.

Helen Adamson said: "Can't see much happening for a long time. For another 600 houses to be put in Tern Hill the schools will need addressing as most in the area are at full capacity and doctors can't handle the load they have let alone handle another 600 families."

And Al Horrigan added: "The camp has been under invested in for years. The news is a big shame for this area. They don't realise towns form close links with their army camps.

"There is something reassuring about having a camp on your doorstep."

Nicola Bradburn said: "Where is the work for all these new people. Public transport is not good and I would miss the army being here."

Tom Heywood said: "I do think this is a ridiculous move, feel for the lads who have recently been based here. What effect will this have on the town?

"Well there is already enough of a struggle for jobs, the doctors is already over busy, what's it going to be like in four to five years?

"600 houses is a lot of space, a lot of people, can our town cope with the demand? I don't really know what it will bring. I hope it gets over-turned in all honesty."

Harvey Locke, owner of Tudor Hotel in Market Drayton, added: "Most of them (army personnel) were shocked and disappointed that they have got to move their families. It will be a big loss to us."

Clive Barracks opened in 1916 and has been home to 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment since 2007 when the battalion moved from Fort George, Inverness.

The base is one of 10 sites across the country that will be disposed of by the MoD to generate extra money and provide land for up to 7,000 homes.