Mansfield Army recruitment office closure branded 'diabolical'

Mansfield's Army Recruitment office's closure has been called 'diabolical' (Image: Google).

The news on the day of the Somme's centenary commemorations has been slammed as a move by the government as it 'turns its back on the armed services'.

Mansfield MP, Labour’s Sir Alan Meale has criticised the closure last Friday, a couple of days before the local Armed Forces day, with plans to move local recruitment to the territorial centre in Bath Street.

The news, on the day of the Somme’s centenary commemorations, has been slammed as a move by the government as it ‘turns its back on the armed services’.

He said: “Quite frankly its diabolical the Government has decided to reduce the army by tens of thousands yet at the same time has promised to continue recruitment of full time soldiers and up to 30,000 part-time Territorial volunteers to take their place. Yet here we are, we now have no Army recruitment centre in Mansfield after decades of commitment recruiting soldiers.

“All of this flies in the face of promises given to continue with a strong armed forces network. Sir Alan added that it’s not enough to move the service to a part-time presence at the Territorial Army centre.

“The reality is that the cuts are only an interim before local offices are closed altogether. The local office for Mansfield will be in Nottingham.”

“So here we are not only losing our armed forces but kidding ourselves that we’re going to be able to recruit territorials,” added the MP.

A spokesperson for Army recruitment stressed the office would be the permanent home for the recruiting offie from now on. He added: “Mansfield Army recruitment has relocated to Bath Street where we will continue to welcome candidates interested in pursuing a career in the Army as a Regular or Reserve under one roof.

“We are proud to have a continuing presence in the Mansfield area and look forward to welcoming any applicants in the future.”

Mansfield has a very proud record of supplying to all the armed services.and Sir ALan said he intends to take the matter to the House of Commons.