1,200 soldiers for barracks

MOD Stafford is set to house more than 1,000 extra troops after it was confirmed as the preferred location for a new "super garrison" for the region.

The Ministry of Defence has announced that Beacon Barracks will become home to 1,200 soldiers from 1 Signal Brigade when they move to the UK from Rhine Garrison in Germany in 2013.

It means the numbers of soldiers at the barracks - currently home to 22 Signal Regiment - will more than double. The influx is expected to see as many as 500 soldiers' families setting up home in Stafford.

The decision, which is still subject to further planning and scrutiny, will set in motion a major building programme at MOD Stafford and is expected to result in a major boon to the local economy.

Colonel Charles Turner, commander of 12 Signal Group and MOD Stafford, said the town had a tradition of looking after its regiment.

"People here in Stafford are always pleased to see us, which is a strong factor," he said. All of the events we have had in the town have been really well supported."

He said the proximity of the barracks to the town centre added to its appeal.

Stafford Borough Council deputy leader Judith Dalgarno welcomed the announcement as "wonderful news" for the town.

Colonel Turner added that Beacon Barracks would hope to foster links with Staffordshire University and Stafford College as it prepares for hundreds of young soldiers to arrive from Germany.

RAF Cosford - which was also being considered as a new home for 1 Signal Brigade - has been named as the preferred site for 102 Logistic Brigade, which is also moving from Germany.

A decision on a home for 1 Signal Brigade has been in the pipeline for around three years.

The brigade provides signals and communication support to Headquarters Allied Rapid Reaction Corps.