Harrogate Town Council’s Lib Dem members have praised the “victims of reported abuse at Army Foundation College” for their bravery in speaking out and backed calls for an independent inquiry.

Councillors say that the latest allegations about life at the army apprentices college in Harrogate prove that “far too little attention has been paid to the experiences of the most vulnerable recruits”.

Councillor Josie Caven, who represents the Kingsley Ward, said "These girls are not just victims, they are brave survivors, as they have demonstrated courage and determination in bringing their traumatic experiences into the limelight".

"When recruits join the college, some are as young as 16, it may be their first time away from home.

Harrogate Town Councillor Josie Caven, who represents the Kingsley Ward, said "These girls are not just victims, they are brave survivors." (Picture contributed)

placeholder image — Harrogate Town Councillor Josie Caven, who represents the Kingsley Ward, said "These girls are not just victims, they are brave survivors." (Picture contributed)

"They are legally still children but are motivated by the desire to serve their country.

"Lib Dem Councillors strongly believe that each young person who enters the Army Foundation College deserves a safe, dignified environment and absolute protection from harm.

"The troubling allegations at the college suggest a continuing breach of trust and a failure of duty of care and protection that should not go unaddressed.”

Lib Dem councillors on Harrogate Town Council are also giving their backing to calls for a fully independent investigation issued last week by Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon.

Harrogate Town Councillor Paula Stott said: "These allegations are particularly concerning." (Picture contributed)

Councillor Paula Stott said: "These allegations are particularly concerning at a time when our new PM has revealed plans to expand the number of 16-year-olds entering the army and to open a second military college in southern England to accommodate them

"It is, therefore, even more urgent that the allegations involving the Army Foundation College in Harrogate are prioritised, to ensure history doesn’t repeat itself.”

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised by the reporting of these incidents, contact the National Rape and Sexual Abuse Hotline 0808 500 2222 or North Yorkshire based Acer Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 0330 223 0099.

There is also a free online help for those with hearing loss which is open 24/7 365 days a year via: https://rapecrisis.org.uk/