There are fears for the future of Cawdor Barracks as the Ministry of Defence (MOD) examines its options ahead of further budget cuts.

Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb told the Western Telegraph that he would be making a strong case for the base near St Davids, the home of 14th Signal Regiment, to be maintained.

Under the terms of a Strategic Defence and Security Review in 2010 jobs cuts had to be made at the Army, Royal Navy, RAF and the Ministry of Defence.

Mr Crabb said that a review of the entire forces network of bases was now to be undertaken and options could include merging or closing some sites.

He has written to the Defence Secretary and met with him to put the case for protecting the MoD in Wales.

But, he admitted: "There are concerns over Cawdor Barracks' future.

"What they [MoD] are being asked to do is really, really tough, not only having to look at costs and make difficult decisions, but also keep getting new tasks thrown at them such as in Mali.

"In the seven and a half years I have been doing the job as MP, probably every single year someone comes to me saying there's a question mark hanging over Cawdor," said Mr Crabb.

He added that the service families loved being in the area, and the base was a valued part of the community, but the base was possibly not the preferred option of those in charge due to its long distance from the Signals' headquarters in Dorset. "The minister is clear that on any decision taken it will be the military leading on the design," he added.

St Davids City mayor Cllr John George said it would be a "huge loss" if the barracks were to close.

"Look at what it means to the Pembrokeshire economy. Look at the houses and the people that are here, they all spend their money in the county.

"It's not just the service personnel, it's the people who deliver things there, and the work that goes on there to keep the place up to standard.

"It would be a huge loss, not just for the economy but for the support for the parades such as on Armistice Day in Haverfordwest, Solva, St Davids and other places."

The 14th Signal Regiment will take part in a homecoming parade at St Davids on March 21st.