Residents in East Devon hit out at spending cuts to Britain’s armed forces.

SPENDING cuts to the armed forces have sparked anger amongst East Devon residents, who feel it will cost even more lives if resources are reduced even further.

Many residents are disgusted with the cuts and believe, by limiting the numbers of personnel in the armed forces and resources spent on the military, the country’s troops will be put in a more vulnerable position.

In a recent report, MPs hit out at the cuts, stating they may leave the UK’s armed forces unable to fulfil required tasks after 2015.

Army numbers are to be reduced 7,000 with the Royal Navy and RAF by 5,000.

The cuts also saw the cancellation of equipment including Nimrod reconnaissance plans and withdrawal of HMS Ark Royal.

Cathy Watson, 56, of Honiton, said: “It is awful but it is the time of recession and it is really difficult for everybody.

“I think it will definitely put members of the armed forces in a vulnerable position but I don’t think it will make much difference in regards to how our armed forces are seen by other countries.”

Natalia Cook, 52, of Feniton, said: “Of course, countries need armed forces but I understand that cuts need to be made as well.”

Brian Archer, 62, said: “I don’t agree with the cuts being made to the armed forces. They have a hard enough job as it is without cutting the resources.

“It will put troops in a vulnerable position because, if they are not getting the money they need for equipment, we are going to lose more lives.”

Viv White, 57, of Honiton, said: “It will make our armed forces more vulnerable as they are not given enough money now. When our armed forces get sent away, they need to have the right equipment.

“By cutting resources, it is going to be made worse but, then again, the state the country is in, what can we do?

“Everything is being cut.”

Tracey Loveridge, 44, of Ottery St Mary and Becky Apsey, 42, of Honiton, said: “It is disgusting that cuts are being made to the armed forces - it is ridiculous.

“By making cuts in resources to the armed forces, they are putting soldiers in jeopardy.

“They go out and do 12-week tours so, if they take fewer people, they will be out there for longer, which will put their lives at even further at risk.

“These cuts do concern us, as cuts are being made across the armed forces, education and the NHS.”