Councils defend 'merger' regiment

The predicted merger is aimed at reforming infantry units

Council leaders have agreed to back the Queen's Lancashire Regiment in the event of a merger.

Military cuts announced last month by Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon included cutting three English battalions.

The Queen's Lancashire Regiment, King's Own Royal border regiment in Cumbria and the Cheshire Regiment could be amalgamated under the plans.

Brig Geoff Sheldon said keeping the regiment's strong local identity "mattered desperately."

"This regiment is one of the best recruited in the army," he said.

We need to keep that county Lancashire identity Brig Geoff Sheldon

"We need to keep that county Lancashire identity - where 97% of the soldiers come from - so that we stay strong and ready for the future.

"All the evidence shows it really helps to recruit when you've got your friends and family serving.

"When it comes to war...the fact that you're together with friends, people you've known all your life, makes a real difference in battle."

The cuts are being made as part of what the government describes as the modernising of the UK armed forces.

Brig Sheldon added the three northern regiments were discussing how to save the regiments involved.

At a meeting on Monday in Fulwood Barracks, Preston, local leaders resolved to back the regiment in its effort to preserve its character.

Chorley MP Lyndsay Hoyle said: "What we ought to be doing is doubling the size of the regiment to make it a two battalion regiment that would be very important.

"This regiment has a proud history and good recruitment as well."

The cuts are being made as part of what the government describes as the modernising of the UK armed forces.