THE Ministry of Defence moved to reassure staff and residents at Britain’s biggest Army base at Catterick Garrison as the fallout over the collapse of Carillion sent shock waves through the region.

Fears for jobs and homes was the major concern as workers desperately struggled to find out what effect it would have on the base. Hundreds of people are employed through partner company CarillionAmey, maintaining and servicing thousands of homes, accommodation blocks and other buildings.

Ministry of Defence contracts for 360 defence establishments, looking after around 50,000 service family homes across the country, many at Catterick Garrison, are run by CarillionAmey.

A statement from the Ministry of Defence said: “Today’s announcement has no direct impact on defence or the services provided to the Armed Forces and their families.

"Housing will continue to be serviced, catering facilities provided and buildings and offices cleaned."

It said extensive contingency planning meant services would continue as all facilities management contracts are provided through joint ventures and contractually the partners are required to deliver if it fails.

But one resident, who asked not to be named, said there was a lot of concern at the effect it would have.

“It seems impossible that part of the partnership goes into liquidation and it has no impact," they said. "Amey have said staff and suppliers would continue to be paid, we are waiting to find out more.”