‘Bonkers’ if we lose fusiliers - McMahon

PLANS to axe an Army battalion with connections to Oldham as part of spending cuts has been branded “criminal” and “bonkers” by council leader Jim McMahon.

The Government has been told that scrapping the second battalion of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers would cause devastation to lives. The battalion, which recruits across Greater Manchester, has strong Oldham ties. It was created as part of a wholesale Army reorganisation in 1968, which saw the Lancashire Fusiliers amalgamate with three other units.

Council leader Jim McMahon said: “We all know about the cost and price serving in the forces can take from some people, and the emotional damage it can leave. Being able to return to a community where you have the support network is absolutely vital.

“The Army connection with towns like Oldham won’t exist if the Government gets its way and it’s bonkers. Having servicemen taken from across the country into regiments and then dismissing them to their home base, where they haven’t got that emotional support, is absolutely criminal and there is no justification for it. You might save pounds and pence but you will cause devastation to lives when servicemen and women return.”

A Labour motion by Councillor Steven Bashforth calling on the battalion to be saved received cross-party support.






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