By James Gray

WHEN I visited RAF Lyneham on Monday I was very concerned to hear from the Station Commander that there was any possibility of the station ever closing.

When I got back to the office I received a letter from the Minister of Defence telling me that he was considering where to base the new A400M cargo transporter planes - Brize Norton or Lyneham.

If it's Brize Norton, then I fear there may be a risk that the Hercules fleet would also be moved there, with the result that RAF Lyneham may close.

Lyneham employs more than 5,000 personnel and the station commander estimates that it makes an £18 million contribution to the local economy.

While it's possible the station would be replaced with something else at the closure, there is no doubt at all that it would have a devastating effect on the local community.

It is early days in the battle, and it may mean we can persuade the Government to keep the base open.

I have already asked the Minister to guarantee the base's future and am now waiting for a reply. But it is very important that local people should stand ready to add their voices to a campaign which is likely to get going between now and next summer. This will be aimed at keeping our friends on the base.

I promise to do all I can in Parliament and will keep people advised of what is happening through the columns of the Gazette and Herald.