MPs will debate plans to close Invicta Park Barracks in Maidstone later this month.

Helen Grant, who represents Maidstone and the Weald, appeared yesterday before the Backbench Business Committee to ask for a discussion on the government's A Better Defence Estate policy, which could also see the axing of 90 other military bases across the UK.

For the county town, it would mean the end of its association with the Queen’s Gurkha Engineers and the Royal Engineers, with 800 personnel and their families moving away by 2027.

The closure of Invicta Park Barracks, of Royal Engineers Road sparked dismay among residents and especially the Nepalese community, many of whom face losing regular contact with loved ones.

Helen Grant has been outspoken in her criticism of the plans and has set up a petition calling on the Ministry of Defence to reverse its decision.

She is also holding a survey of 10,000 homes asking for their views of the plans.

Mrs Grant said: "The decision to close 91 military bases up and down the UK will have an immense impact upon service personnel and communities across the country. I am delighted that the Backbench Business Committee has allocated time for this debate.

"It will provide a much-needed opportunity for MPs to air their views and importantly will require the Minister to respond. The committee do not always approve the applications they receive for debates and so this is a great boost to our campaign to save Invicta Park Barracks".

The debate has been scheduled for February 21 and will last for 90 minutes, giving all MPs with constituencies affected to present their views.

Download the survey here and sign the petition here or at Mrs Grant’s constituency office on the London-bound forecourt of Maidstone East railway station.