Chester MP continues his fight to save Dale Barracks

Chris Matheson, MP for Chester, has called on the Government to reconsider its decision to sell off Dale Barracks.

The future of the barracks and the recruitment footprint of the Army in the North West was again raised in the House of Commons this week. Currently the government plans to close and sell off the barracks with all army units moving to a single site north of Preston.

Chris, who has run a longstanding campaign to maintain Dale Barracks and retain a military presence locally, raised the issue directly with Defence Minister Jeremy Quin MP.

He said: “The decision to site the entire Army presence in the North West at Weeton barracks, putting all our eggs in one basket, will damage the operational and recruitment footprint of the Army in the North West.”

Chris also highlighted the geographical benefits and historical importance of the barracks in Chester.

He said: “Were the Government to retain the Dale barracks in Chester, that would provide easy access to the southern part of the North West, the north part of the Midlands and North Wales, so will the Government please look again at the decision to sell off the Dale barracks and let them retain their historic role in the City of Chester?”

In his response, the Minister stated that no actions or disposals will take place before 2027, saying: “We continue to speak to local stakeholders about alternative uses for the site, but I assure the honourable Gentleman that no disposal will take place before 2027 at the earliest.”

Chris added: “The Army's presence in the Chester is incredibly valuable to our city and the surrounding area. Chester has been a garrison city for centuries and I want that to remain. Be assured I will not sit back and wait until 2027 to keep fighting for the retention of Dale Barracks in Chester.”