Ford says Antrim barracks closure will hit town very hard

4.30.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 24th Apr 2008

Alliance Leader David Ford has stated that the loss of 100 jobs at Massereene Barracks in Antrim will be a devastating blow to the local economy in the town. His comments come after it was revealed that the Massereene Engineer Regiment Barracks is to close in 2010, with staff moving to RAF Aldergrove.

South Antrim MLA David Ford said: "The closure of this barracks will potentially mean the loss of 100 jobs in Antrim.

"This will be a massive blow to local businesses and the wider community. I will be working closely with businesses and agencies in the town to try and ensure that good can come from this very difficult situation.

"Any benefits there might be to opening up the river bank close to the town centre will be heavy counterbalanced by the loss of money in the local economy with these jobs leaving Antrim."

ENDS