THESE are difficult times for our country with many servicemen and women ordinarily based in North Yorkshire engaged in the conflict in Iraq. Here in North Yorkshire the war is as close to home as it is anywhere in the United Kingdom.
We have the largest Garrison in Western Europe at Catterick where some 1,300 men and women are currently serving in the war. We also have the important barracks at Ripon and Topcliffe and the Army Apprentice Training College at Harrogate.
There are the Royal Air Force stations at Leeming, Dishforth and Linton-on-Ouse and the Government communications bases at Fylingdales, Menwith Hill and Staxton Wold.
There are therefore thousands of families here in York and North Yorkshire directly affected by the conflict. Wherever these families live they are an integral part of our community and an important part of our economy.
Our county has a long and proud association with the Armed Forces and our thoughts and prayers are with them.
Coun David Ashton,
Chairman,
North Yorkshire County
Council,
County Hall,
Northallerton.
Updated: 10:45 Friday, April 04, 2003
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