Last updated at 16:28, Thursday, 20 September 2012

BRAVE Barrovians wishing to lay their lives on the line for queen and country could have to sign up by phone, should an army recruitment centre close.

IN DOUBT: If the Barrow Army Careers Centre in Holker Street is closed then potential recruits face either using a call centre or an almost 100-mile round trip to Lancaster to meet specialist army careers advisors

The Evening Mail understands the Army Careers Centre in Holker Street is set to close by March, forcing Barrovians to sign up by phoning a call centre.

The Ministry of Defence is believed to be closing the centre as part of the privatisation of its recruitment service.

Rather than get the expertise of battle hardened troops and a chance to ask questions face-to-face, would-be soldiers will be referred to a call centre or face an almost 100-mile round trip to visit a manned careers centre at Lancaster.

It is understood business action group Furness Enterprise has written to John Woodcock, MP for Barrow and Furness, calling for support to keep the centre open.

Mr Woodcock has hit out at the news.

He said: “The decision to close Barrow’s Army Careers office is very bad news for the area.

“It comes as a direct result of the government’s decision to privatise army recruitment, breaking the vital link between local regiments and recruitment.

“If the Barrow office closes, young people in Furness will be almost 50 miles from their nearest careers office. The army offers a fantastic career option for young people in Barrow and Furness, helping them to gain vital experience and skills, as well as to offer valuable service to their country.

“At a time when so many young people are struggling to find jobs, the loss of the careers office in Barrow is a real blow.

“I would urge the MoD to think again and consider how it can ensure a continued Army Careers presence in south Cumbria.”

A spokesman for the Ministry of Defence said he was unable to comment on the recruitment centre’s future.

First published at 16:22, Thursday, 20 September 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk