YORK has been a military city for 2,000 years - ever since the Romans set up camp here. In less than 15 years, however, it could lose that proud title. Imphal Barracks are scheduled to close in 2031, under a massive Government reorganisation of the armed forces. Strensall Barracks will close much sooner, in 2021.

York Central MP Rachael Maskell has launched a campaign to save Imphal, and its 1,400 jobs.

We wish her well in the campaign. But the closure is almost 15 years off. Much can happen in that time. And, given York’s chronic housing shortage, there are those who might even say that land could be put to better use.