Shropshire councillors have renewed their calls for RAF Cosford to be chosen as the new centre for defence training in the UK – as the countdown begins to decision day.
There are just weeks to go until the Government decides whether Cosford or St Athan, in south Wales, will win the multi-million pound defence deal. Members of Bridgnorth District Council are keen to throw their support behind the Cosford bid.
Council officers will report to members of the community improvement committee on the current state of play when they meet next week.
Director of development services, Trevor Tarran, said it was important for the council to show its full support with the decision date looming.
In a report to councillors, he says: “As the decision is due in a few weeks’ time, it is considered timely for the committee to again publicly endorse its support for RAF Cosford being the most appropriate location for future defence training facilities.”
Campaigners say the decision, due next month, will have massive repercussions for Cosford, Albrighton and Shropshire as a whole.
If Cosford wins, the number of jobs at the base could double to 2,640 by 2010, securing the long-term economic future of the area.
Cosford is competing against rival site St Athan to host the UK super site for defence training.
Investment is estimated at more than £600 million, with the average yearly wage bill expected to top £45 million.
But if Cosford fails to win the bid it is predicted 1,200 jobs will be lost.
The knock-on effects of losing the bid have been compared by campaigners to the impact of the closure of Rover at Longbridge.
John Edwards, chief executive of Advantage West Midlands which is leading the Cosford campaign, said the impact of the multi-billion pound contract would be “colossal”.
“We cannot underestimate just how much Cosford needs to win this crucial and lucrative contract,” he said.
By Simon Alton
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