CAWDOR Barracks at Brawdy will remain open until 2028, the Westminster Government announced on Thursday (Nov 25).

The Barracks were earmarked for closure under a previous defence review. However, the MOD now says they will remain open beyond their original closure date, scheduled for 2024.

The Barracks house the 14 Signals Regiment, the Army’s electronic warfare unit. They generate employment and economic activity across north Pembrokeshire.

The announcement came as part of the Future Soldier review undertaken by Defence Secretary Ben Wallace.

As part of the Future Soldier programme, the number of soldiers in Wales is set to increase. Brecon will be retained, and the number based in North Wales will increase with additional investment devoted to the expansion.

The Regular Army will stand at 73,000 strong by 2025 and, combined with an Army Reserve of 30,000, the British Army will stand at over 100,000.

Stephen Crabb MP said: “I welcome this extension which provides greater clarity for the soldiers and their families based in Pembrokeshire. It is also good news for our local community.

“There is no question that Cawdor Barracks is an important strategic asset for the MOD and to the Pembrokeshire economy.

“A deep bond of affection and respect has developed between our community and the 14 Signal Regiment during the time they have been based at Brawdy.

“Local people will welcome the fact that the soldiers and their families will continue to be a valued part of Pembrokeshire life for some years to come.

“Following my parliamentary debate on the future of Cawdor Barracks in February 2020, I was pleased to welcome the Defence Minister, Jeremey Quinn MP, to Pembrokeshire to see the base for himself and to meet with local soldiers.

“This is very positive news today, but I will continue to make the case for the Barracks to remain in Pembrokeshire permanently and will be seeking longer-term clarity from the MOD about its future.”

The extension announcement was made by Defence Secretary Ben Wallace on Thursday, November 25.

Cllr Simpson said: “Pembrokeshire and Pembrokeshire County Council is rightly proud of its long and close working relationship with the Armed Forces and especially proud to be home to 14 Signal Regiment at Cawdor Barracks.

“The soldiers of 14 Signal Regiment are very much part of the local community – many soldiers’ families have made Pembrokeshire their home – and the Barracks has an important role in the local economy.

“It is good news that Cawdor Barracks will remain open until at least 2028 and we remain hopeful that the Barracks could still continue beyond that date, further extending the close ties between 14 Signal Regiment, Pembrokeshire and this Authority.”