THE Western Telegraph understands there may be a temporary delay in the closure of Cawdor Barracks as costs are re-examined.

It is understood that the MOD has looked again at the high costs of moving the 14th Signal Regiment within the original time frame of a departure in 2018.

As a result, the Signals are set to remain in Cawdor Barracks, formerly known as Brawdy, for several more years beyond 2018, although sources suggest any talk of a ‘reprieve’ for the future of the facility in the much longer term is incorrect.

A source told the Western Telegraph that staff at Cawdor Barracks had been told on Thursday about the extended stay in Pembrokeshire.

Another added: “They are not going to be able to move [by that date], the move is delayed. There has been talk of another 20 years [in Cawdor] but that’s not how they are talking. They are still talking about the move but it’s not going to be within the five years, it’s probably a few more years after that.”

Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb told the Western Telegraph: “The military still intend and want to move to St Athan to be part of a more modern base, linked to other units but there is an awful lot of costs and logistical challenges ahead.

“As far as I’m concerned, the longer the Signals stay in Pembrokeshire the better but ultimately we want what’s best for the soldiers themselves and their families.”

Ward county councillor, Lyn Jenkins, did not wish to comment on the rumours.

The closure of the barracks was announced in 2013 with a deadline for moving around 600 troops based there to St Athan given as 2018.

At the time of the announcement then defence Philip Hammond said that the Cawdor barracks was “not fit for purpose”.

The UK government it said was investing £1.8bn in a new basing plan across the UK with £100m being spent in Wales with thousands of troops are expected to return from Germany.

Mr Hammond said the Ministry of Defence (MoD) was working with the Welsh government to maximise the use of St Athan, while the MoD will dispose of the Cawdor site.

It's a very remote, singleton garrison site," he said.

He added: "The physical state of the accommodation was a significant factor."