Special task force set up over closure of Shropshire's Clive Barracks

North Shropshire MP Owen Paterson, who is behind the group, wants to reduce the impact the closure of the army barracks, near Market Drayton, will have on people in the area.

It comes weeks after the Ministry of Defence announced it will be closing the barracks, which is home to the 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment, to make way for hundreds of new homes.

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.

Mr Paterson said: "It was very disappointing to learn that the MoD has decided that the barracks is to be vacated by 2020 as part of the plan to rationalise its estate by 30 per cent by 2040.

"As much as we will miss the presence of the army we should all want our military to be placed in the best possible accommodation.

"I have already discussed this issue with the minister responsible, Mark Lancaster MP.

"The release of this land presents a one-off, exciting opportunity to grow the local economy and ease pressure on our housing needs.

"It is vital that there is a seamless transition when the site is handed over and that the redevelopment at Tern Hill maximises the benefit locally.

"I spoke to the minister again last week and we agreed to work closely together to ensure that there is a plan in place to guarantee a smooth handover when the MoD withdraws from the site in 2020."

Mr Paterson said he is keen for local input into how the area can benefit from the move.

"I am setting up a Tern Hill Task Force to ensure that the transition of the site from the MoD to the private sector is planned to the advantage of local people," he said.

"I have also discussed this with Malcolm Pate, leader of Shropshire Council and local councillors.

"I plan to begin by taking them with representatives from Market Drayton Town Council to meet the minister.

"I look forward to working with the Government to ensure that the benefits for north Shropshire are maximised.

"In the meantime, I would very much welcome ideas from constituents as to how we can exploit this once in a generation opportunity."

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

It is not yet known where the regiment will be relocated to.

"My first concern when I heard the news was for the future of the 1st Battalion Royal Irish Regiment.

"The regiment has been an enormous asset to the local area and has integrated with the community like no other.

"I know that the people of north Shropshire will miss them but wish them well as they go on to new challenges when they leave Tern Hill in 2020," Mr Paterson added.