Let the Battle commence!
23rd March 2006
Gazette & Herald
www.gazetteandherald.co.uk
by Zoë Mills
RAF Lyneham is perfectly suited as the next home to dozens of military helicopters, says North Wiltshire MP James Gray. The station is preparing to do battle with rivals RAF Odiham and RAF Benson, which are also being considered as potential sites for a helicopter super-base.

All three want to house the new joint command, which would secure the livelihoods of locals and the vibrancy of neighbouring towns for years to come. Mr Gray said the odds are stacked in Lyneham's favour, with its proximity to the M4 and military training area Salisbury Plain. When the 3,000 current personnel move out in 2012, there would be sufficient married quarters to accommodate the influx of servicemen and women from the other bases.

"The main difference is both Benson and Odiham are suitable for housing and the MoD could sell them off for a lot of money, whereas Lyneham is not," he said.

"The fact that Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram made the announcement shows he is taking Lyneham seriously. I don't think he would have given me a written answer if not."

Mr Gray said there had been no indication of timing, but he expected the MoD to make an announcement and move towards the planning stage shortly.

If Lyneham is chosen as the super-base, the two existing helicopter stations would be closed, and a mix of Chinooks, Merlins and Pumas would become a regular sight above the Wiltshire sky. Flying activity would be much the same as it is now, although noise levels would be higher and there could be more low-level practising. Chinooks are the Hercules of the helicopter world, and are used to taxi troops and equipment all over the world.

The helicopters from both bases would be transported to missions abroad on planes such as the Hercules or on ships. If Lyneham isn't chosen for the super-base, it could still be used for military purposes. Behind-the-scenes discussions have hinted at Lyneham as a possibility to house a Joint Rapid Reaction Core.

Mr Gray said: "I am very keen for Lyneham to be kept for military purposes. Whatever happens, I'd like to see a smooth-handover. Once the Hercs leave, the helicopters could move in quickly without any significant gap." Rumours that RAF Lyneham could be resurrected as a helicopter super-base have been circulating since last year, but last week's revelation is the strongest hint yet.

Four years ago, 16,000 people signed a petition to save RAF Lyneham, but their hopes were dashed in 2003 with the news that the country's Hercules would be relocated by 2012. Now, instead of a regional airport or huge housing development, the airbase could be saved for military use.

This week, MP James Gray has received a further letter from Adam Ingram about the future of RAF Lyneham. Mr Gray said: "The minister has confirmed that the study into the future basing of helicopters, known as Project Belevedere, is being conducted by the Joint Helicopter Command, based at Wilton. The JHC Belvedere Working Group is assessing a number of possible ideas for the future basing of battlefield helicopters.

"The minister advises me that RAF Lyneham is just one of the locations under review, and that the super-base concept is one of many options being considered. "I am delighted that the MoD is actively considering Lyneham's future and welcome this further information."

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