ALTHOUGH NEWS of “very substantial improvements” in the training of new recruits has been greeted as “positive” by a Perth mother whose son died at an army barracks, she said yesterday she hopes progress will continue to prevent further tragedies.

James Collinson was one of four young recruits who died at the Deepcut Barracks, prompting calls for a review and overhaul of training methods.

His mother Yvonne, who was at the forefront of the campaign, gave a guarded welcome to the report by the Adult Learning Inspectorate stating the army has made “extraordinary strides forward” since its last report two years ago.

She said, “It’s positive because we have always said you can’t bring the kids back, but if it makes a difference to youngsters who are joining up it is an achievement.

“It is the final ALI report, and that begs the question of who is going to keep checking on the people running things from now on. We need something in place that will keep them on their toes.

“It’s nice James didn’t die in vain and something good has come from something so tragic, but my only fear is that now the ALI have pulled out it will go back to the way it was.”

A 2005 report ordered by Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram following the deaths of James and three other youngsters at the Surrey barracks found that recruits suffered from harassment, self-harm and injury because of the poor management of the training system.

ALI chief inspector David Sherlock said, “The events that triggered our involvement could not have been more serious; the armed services’ response to them could not have been more decisive or proper. We have witnessed a genuine and enthusiastic commitment to change. Marked and continuing improvement is the overall verdict, but with still more to achieve.”

Perth and North Perthshire MP Pete Wishart said, “This report demonstrates progress in the care and conditions for young soldiers.

“However, none of this would have been possible without the campaign led by the families of those who died at the Deepcut barracks and others.”

He added, “This, however, does not detract from the campaign to secure justice for the Deepcut families.”