SOLDIERS returning from Iraq have been moved out of their barracks for safety reasons.

About 200 soldiers based at Gaza Barracks, Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, have been transferred to Wathgill Camp, near Leyburn.

Seniors staff took the decision on advice from the fire safety officer.

The soldiers serve with 3 Close Support Medical Regiment and 209 Signal Squadron, which are part of 19 Light Brigade.

The brigade returned to Catterick from southern Iraq in May and June.

An Army spokesman said: "They are staying in normal accommodation, much the same as that at Gaza.

"The move is to allow work on the fire alarm system and emergency lighting at their accommodation.

"The decision was taken by the commanding officer following advice from the fire officer.

"The work is underway and is expected to be completed by the end of October.

"While we recognise this is not ideal, the soldiers have been given the best possible accommodation and have taken their belongings with them.

"They also have access to get the remainder of their belongings if they need them."

Gaza Barracks is currently undergoing a major redevelopment.

The barracks being repaired are likely to be replaced, the spokesman said.

A report published by the National Audit Office in March concluded that soldiers face decades of sub-standard living quarters despite improvements in Ministry of Defence (MoD) housing stock.

More than 40 per cent of homes for service personnel and their families are still below par, with no final date for their upgrade in view, according to the Whitehall auditor.