James
Gray Fights to Save RAF Lyneham
18th
January 2002
The
Rt. Hon James Gray MP for North Wiltshire, launches a petition
to save the future of RAF Lyneham today at the Village
Hall. "I will leave no stone unturned in the effort
to save RAF Lyneham from closure" he says.
The
future of one of the largest and most active RAF stations
is in doubt following the Ministry of Defence announcement
during November 2001, for a review to seek a suitable base
for the A400M cargo plane, which will form part of the
new RAF Transport fleet in 2010.
This
news will certainly bring a period of uncertainty; the
future of Wiltshire base and more importantly the effect
on the local community. A decision will be made, in the
summer, following this major review. The stations involved
in the review are RAF Lyneham and RAF Brize Norton. There
are many factors being taken into consideration of the
choice and certainly James Gray believes we need to act
now, before it's to late.
For
over 60 years, Lyneham has played an important role in
many conflicts around the world and the low flying Hercules
transporter, affectionately known as "Fat Albert",
will certainly be missed from the Wiltshire skyline, if
moved to the Oxfordshire base. Lyneham contributes to the
economy over £75 million a year, employment for 2469
serving personnel, 760 civilians and countless others in
our local community. We do not want a "blackhole" if
the base closes.
James
Gray is spearheading a petition with support from the Gazette & Herald newspaper,
to obtain as many of his constituents to register their
support. You can help save RAF Lyneham and the community
by signing this petition which will be presented to the
House of Commons on 15th March 2002. Petition forms are
available throughout various shops, pubs, garages and people
in the village. Please support the campaign.
Sam
Wright, a member of the Save Lyneham Group, and a member
of Lyneham Parish Councils recalls " We were disappointed
not to quiz Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon about the future
of RAF Lyneham, when he visited the station on Wednesday
16th January 2002". Geoff Hoon spent the afternoon
on base, viewing the new Hercules C130J. "I am well
aware of how important the base is to the people locally
and the tremendous contributions that people here make
to the Royal Air Force" says the Defence Secretary.
Please
visit our Village
forum, to see the latest information and air your concerns.
A public meeting has been arranged at Lyneham Village Hall
on Friday 15th March at 7.30pm
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