Closure plan for Deepcut barracks

The main training centre at the Surrey military camp is expected to shut in 2013 as part of a review of military training facilities. It is likely to be bulldozed to make way for a new housing development after it was decided that it did not represent value for money to keep it open beyond that date.

Details will be announced in a Commons written ministerial statement by Defence Minister Derek Twigg.

The base has been at the centre of controversy for years following the deaths of four young recruits between 1995 and 2000 amid allegations of harassment and bullying.

An independent review of the deaths by Nicholas Blake QC concluded they were probably self-inflicted but criticised Army training, citing "harassment, discrimination and oppressive behaviour".

The families of the soldiers who died at the barracks admitted the announcement brought "mixed emotions".

Geoff Gray, father of Private Geoff Gray, and Yvonne Collinson, mother of Private James Collinson, both said the decision seemed to be "a waste".

The families warned that they would not let the issue of their children's deaths go away with the closure of the barracks.

Mrs Collinson said: "We are never going to forget that Deepcut existed and we won't let them (MoD) forget either. We are going to make sure that it doesn't get brushed under the carpet."

Des James, father of Cheryl James, said: "Bulldozing a piece of land in Surrey doesn't bring closure for me and my wife."