THE Ministry of Defence has announced plans to close Beachley Barracks, near Sedbury, by 2027.

The move to close of the home of the 1st Battalion, The Rifles Battalion forms part of plans to sell of 91 military sites across the UK which will save around £140 million by the end of the decade.

However, villagers in Sedbury fear the barracks’ closure will hurt small businesses in the area such as the local shops and butcher’s.

Local resident Robin Duff, who served at Beachley Barracks until 1993 said it will be really sad to see it go and added: “It will impact on local jobs. It will be a really sad when it closes.

“Whatever happens I hope the site isn’t converted into an industrial site. The village will be completely gridlocked.”

John Powell, Tidenham parish council chairman, echoed Mr Duffins’ views.

“I was born in the village and it’s been important for the village ever since I was a nipper,” he said.

“Many of the ex-servicemen would settle down in the area after they completed their service.

“You always see soldiers in the village Spar, butcher;s and haberdasher’s shop.”