PLANS to speed up the closure of a Ministry of Defence base near Bicester could threaten frontline supplies, union leaders have warned.

Staff at the Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) base at Caversfield learned last week the site could close in just over 12 months' time.

Originally the Government said the base would be moved to the Bristol area in 2009 or 2010.

But Prospect union representative George Clarke said managers had submitted a review notice to the MoD's investment appraisal board on Tuesday last week asking to bring the move forward to October next year.

Mr Clarke said the base's 250 staff, who design and supply protective clothing and equipment to the armed forces, had reacted angrily to the news.

He said: "Nobody wants to go. It doesn't look as if many people are willing to move or have the wherewithal to move - civil service salaries are such that you can't afford housing in the Bristol or Bath area.

"We don't think there are enough people in the labour pool in that area for the MoD to recruit replacements.

"We think they need a lead time of about two years to get people trained up."

Mr Clarke added the move was a waste of money which would be better spent on improving soldiers' accomm- odation.

He said: "They are actually spending billions on shifting people around for no discernible business benefit at all. It just doesn't make any kind of sense.

"The efforts put in place by our members to smooth the transition to the new site, for example by ensuring no new contracts need to be negotiated during the move period, will be worthless if the date is brought forward.

"With the vast majority of the work force unwilling to move, DE&S will lack the skills to deliver the supplies needed by our troops in the frontline."

Defence Equipment and Support was formed in April after the Defence Logistics Organisation merged with the Defence Procurement Agency.

It has used its current base at the former RAF Bicester for more than 10 years.

Prospect members said the move should be halted for a detailed feasibility study.

Last month, Bicester MP Tony Baldry wrote to Defence Secretary Des Browne to voice his concerns.

An MoD spokesman said: "The option to move Caversfield staff to the Bristol/Bath area sooner than originally planned, but phasing the moves over a longer time period, is currently under consideration - but no decisions have yet been taken.

"All decisions such as these that are made by the department are subject to careful analysis and scrutiny and are consulted with our trades unions before final approval is granted.

"Factors such as operational impact, the effect on jobs and value for money considerations all form part of this vigorous analysis."