I write on behalf of the civilian staff at HQ 2nd Division to echo the sentiment expressed by York MP Hugh Bayley in the Evening Press (Letters, November 4).

We have had tremendous support from the local media. The Evening Press, in particular, has run a magnificent campaign on our behalf.

The people of York have rallied to the support of the Divisional HQ in a quite unprecedented manner. We sincerely thank them all.

The City of York Council were also committed to retaining the Divisional HQ in the city. They employ the considerable experience of the Economic Development Unit to help compile the financial profiles that establish the true cost to the City of York of the loss of the HQ.

We thank them for the many resources they put at our disposal to help us defend the jobs of the staff at Imphal Barracks.

I also give great credit to Hugh Bayley who raised over 30 parliamentary questions to bring into the public domain facts and figures that the Ministry of Defence did not wish us to have.

He lobbied the Ministers for the Armed Forces, John Reid and Doug Henderson, in a continuous and determined way, even 'ambushing' Mr Reid on the train at weekends as they travelled home from Parliament.

He took our case to the highest level by speaking directly to the Prime Minister. It is our sincere belief Mr Bayley did all he could and was as saddened and disappointed as we were at the announcement on October 30. He has agreed to continue to support our efforts during the three month consultation period that lies ahead.

I S MacLaren,

Vice Chairman,

HQ 2nd Division Local Whitley Council.

..IN the Evening Press (Letters, November 13) Ken Beavan claims 'York won't forget Labour's barracks betrayal.'

Under the Tory government the scale of jobs losses in York resulting in the run down of the military were such as to make the city eligible for European grants. Where was Ken Beavan and the local Conservative Party then?

It is a tribute to Hugh Bayley's efforts that, though York's divisional headquarters is to be replaced by that of a brigade, there will actually be an increase in civilian jobs here.

It is a pity Mr Beavan wants to play party politics when most of us see the preservation and creation of employment for local families as of rather more importance.

Coun Rod Hills,

City of York Council.

...DESPITE the Armed Forces' Minister's assurance that York will gain about 60 new jobs when the Security Vetting Service (SVS) moves to York to occupy No 2 Division's former headquarters, the reality could be very different. What is more than likely to happen is that the existing London-based employees will jump at the chance of moving to York to retain their jobs. Such a move provides them with inexpensive housing and a much healthier environment.

Sadly, York's civil servants may again lose out to southern carpetbaggers.

Bryan Marlowe,

Otterwood Lane,

York.

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