THE Evening Press has taken the battle to save York's army HQ to the top.

Coupons signed by almost 700 readers urging the Government not to close the divisional HQ at Imphal Barracks were delivered to 10 Downing Street by chief reporter Mike Laycock and York MP Hugh Bayley.

Armed Forces Minister John Reid said later he fully recognised the concerns of the local community, having heard them at first hand from Mr Bayley and now through the paper's petition.

"I fully understand the strength of feeling about the implications of the review of divisional headquarters," said Dr Reid.

"I have not yet received advice from officials and can assure the Evening Press that no decisions have yet been made on the outcome of the review of headquarters.

"I will take all the points raised into very careful consideration prior to coming to my decision."

Meanwhile, Opposition leader and Richmond MP William Hague has praised the "excellent" campaign by the Evening Press, saying it highlighted an important issue central to the local economy.

A spokesman said: "Mr Hague is writing to George Robertson, the Defence Secretary, to raise the concerns of local people and make sure he is fully aware of the Evening Press campaign."

The army is considering merging the York-based 2nd Division with the Edinburgh-based Scottish Division, and siting the combined headquarters in the Scottish capital.

MPs led by Mr Bayley want the merged HQ to be in York instead. An Early Day Motion backing York has been signed by 35 MPs.

The coupons were handed over to No 10, accompanied by a letter to Prime Minister Tony Blair from Evening Press editor Liz Page.

She said she wanted to express the deep concerns of the paper's readers about the possible loss of more than 200 jobs and the city's long military traditions.

"York MP Hugh Bayley has put forward strong financial, economic and military arguments in favour of the HQ being sited in York, not least the fact that many more soldiers are recruited and based in Northern England than Scotland," she said.

"I would urge you and your ministers to keep the HQ where it belongs - at Imphal."

Mr Bayley said the response from readers was an indication of the strength of feeling in York.

"It reinforces the point I have already made to Ministers that feelings in the North of England about its military traditions are very strongly held."

He urged readers to consider writing letters in support of the campaign to him, or directly to Dr Reid at the Ministry of Defence, even if they had already signed a coupon.

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