Fresh hope emerged today in the battle to save York's army headquarters as mayors from across the North joined the campaign.

York's Lord Mayor, Councillor Derek Smallwood, revealed that the army general who recommended closure of the York-based 2nd Division HQ - and the transfer of more than 200 jobs to Edinburgh - has admitted to him that the case is only "marginal."

And, he said, that the officer, General Sir Michael Walker, commander in chief of Land Command, had told him that the argument was a "political one anyway."

Coun Smallwood also claimed that sources from Catterick Garrison have indicated to him that a compromise solution is increasingly likely, to ensure neither York nor Edinburgh lose out during army rationalisation.

It appeared this was likely because such a powerful campaign had been mounted to save York's HQ, including the petition signed by hundreds of Evening Press readers and handed in to Downing Street last month, said Coun Smallwood.

York MP Hugh Bayley said one such compromise solution, which he has been pushing, would be for York to keep its divisional HQ, while the Scottish capital keeps a major general for ceremonial purposes. He said a petition, signed by 24 Lord Mayors and Mayors from across the region and handed to him today by Coun Smallwood at the Guildhall, would add great weight to the campaign.

Mr Bayley will hand the petition over to Armed Forces Minister John Reid on Wednesday, along with more than 300 letters of opposition to closure, when a delegation from the Northern and Yorkshire groups of Labour MPs visits the Minister to press York's case. The Government will reach the final decision after receiving formal recommendations from the army.

"The petition is tremendously important," said Mr Bayley. "It demonstrates to the Minister that this isn't just an issue for York, but one of importance to the whole of the region."

Coun Smallwood, who organised the petition, revealed that he had taken the opportunity to speak to General Walker at Tidworth training area in Wiltshire last Friday, when he had attended the presentation of colours to the Royal Dragoon Guards.

He said the general had said the issue was mostly about jobs. "I said "No, it's more to do with history and the fact that York has always been an army HQ. The army is not just a partner of York - it's a part of York."

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