'Appalling' closure of RAF Cottesmore
Like many other people in the constituency and as former Royal Navy officer, I was shocked and appalled to hear of the closure of RAF Cottesmore in the Defence Secretary's statement last week.
I fully support Alan Duncan MP's statement saying that he will do everything that he can to reverse this decision. The closure will have a devastating effect on the local economy in terms of employment and the huge contribution to the local community that the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force personnel from the base make.
It is disgraceful that the Labour government has announced these ill-conceived defence cuts without conducting the strategic defence review, which they previously promised and was called for by the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives.
The early withdrawal of the Harrier force will greatly affect the UK's ability to defend itself, at home and abroad. It is a particularly insensitive decision in light of the distinguished service that the Royal Navy and RAF Harrier crews have given in Afghanistan over the last five years.
This decision also means that the Royal Navy will no longer be able to operate fixed-wing aircraft from its current aircraft carriers while we wait for the new Joint Strike Aircraft to be delivered.
It is clear that the current Labour government is incapable of managing the defence of this country and the procurement and delivery of new equipment.
The announcement really is a devastating blow to Rutland and its service communities.
Let us hope that common sense prevails and Cottesmore becomes home to some other military units as its infrastructure, services and accommodation are considerably better than many other bases in the UK.
GRAHAME HUDSON
Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary Candidate
for Rutland and Melton
THE end of an era, with the loss of RAF Cottesmore will be a great loss to Rutland and especially Cottesmore; what will follow on the site, a huge new town?!
The big question now will be Rutland council's attitude and response. The greatest and an easy response would be for a determined marketing of Rutland in tourist terms.
Money, good staff and involvement of as many as possible.
Sadly, in my last visit to Uppingham I found local businesses very disappointed in the council, a could not care attitude to tourism.
In this context, and others, it will also need a real drive to improve the rail service between Melton-Oakham-Kettering, for inter-city as well as cross country and airport links, particularly, East Midlands Airport and Stansted. Will there be a positive response and care especially for the Cottesmore area?
D TAYLOR-SMITH
Algarve,
Portugal
AS I live in Cambridge and now retired the closing of RAF Cottesmore will not affect me other than the fond memories I have of the old place and I was devastated when I heard the news that they were closing it down.
As a young lad I use to go to the air shows in the late 40s not long after the war and the Christmas parties in the airmen's mess that they put on for the families of RAF personnel and civilian staff and then spent the first five years of my working life working on the camp, I saw the new runway being built and the first Victor V Bomber touch down and the arrival of the new Group Captain Johnnie Johnson.
I feel so sorry for all the people who will be losing their jobs, some of which have spent most of there working life on the camp.
As an ex Rutlander I just cannot imagine Rutland without RAF Cottesmore. A very sad day.
MICK EDWARDS
Great Shelford,
Cambridge
NOT content with the hunting ban this bungling and cynical Labour Government have once again kicked Rutland firmly in the teeth putting 2,000 jobs at risk by announcing their intention to close RAF Cottesmore.
There is no doubt this savage blow will severely affect the local economy as the base is not only an employer but provides businesses with vital trade in difficult times.
Does this out-of-touch government realise that there is still civilised life north of Watford? Or is it a calculated plan to disrupt rural life at all costs?
Rutland and RAF Cottesmore have been inextricably linked since it opened way back in 1938.
The station badge includes a horseshoe and hunting horn depicting the traditions of the county, but at the stroke of a pen this will all be consigned to the annuls of history.
The corrupt money grabbing politicians will carry on as normal, milking the tax payer for all their worth and no doubt the bankers will get their ill-gotten bonuses while the Armed Forces are cut to the bone in the guise of balancing the books. It's nothing short of criminal.
NIGEL PLEASANT
Lonsdale Way,
Oakham
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Weather for Oakham
Monday 28 May 2012
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Temperature: 11 C to 25 C
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Wind direction: North east
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