Army base closure a blunder, says MLA

SECURITY chiefs have made a blunder by approving the closure of a British army base in Northern Ireland, they were warned yesterday.

Ulster Unionist Assembly member Tom Elliot condemned plans to shut Clogher army base in the next six months, claiming it would leave his constituents in Fermanagh and South Tyrone exposed to terrorist attack.

Police Service of Northern Ireland Deputy Chief Constable Paul Leighton announced the move following consultation with the Army General Officer Commanding in Northern Ireland on the security situation. A PSNI statement said: “The closure, which is a measure to ensure that military resources are being used effectively and efficiently, will not affect the Army’s ability to support the police service when required.”

However, Mr Elliot insisted the closure of the Co Tyrone base was an act of folly. “It is a huge mistake to close down the base because it leaves our Border area vulnerable, exposed and, apart from two small barracks in Enniskillen and Dungannon, virtually devoid of any significant military presence.

“This decision was taken without the consultation of any local representatives.”

Mr Elliot said that, according to police sources, the level of threat from republican paramilitaries in Fermanagh and South Tyrone remained high.

“Whether that threat be from dissident or mainstream republican sources, it’s an act of folly to lower our defences at this time.”