Fears for RAF Shawbury jobs

The Government is to axe about 11,000 jobs in the armed forces, it has been announced.

David Cameron has defended the moves but admitted the redundancies, which will include 170 trainee pilots, would be "difficult" for those affected.

While defence chiefs have not revealed how many trainee pilots' jobs will go at RAF Shawbury and RAF Valley on Anglesey, previous estimates suggest 50 positions are being lost at both units.

Reports have previously said 30 helicopter pilots at RAF Shawbury and 20 fast jet pilots at RAF Valley will lose their jobs.

Civic leaders in Shawbury today said the Shropshire airbase was vital for the local economy and hoped the cuts would not impact on its long-term future.

Simon Jones, Shropshire councillor for the Shawbury ward, said: "In the 1990s, I was part of the team who did the bid to keep RAF Shawbury as the helicopter school.

"Then we estimated it was worth £10-15million to the local economy, but now I am sure that figure will be £20million.

He added: "I hope these cuts won't impact the future existence of RAF Shawbury."

The announcement will affect about 5,000 personnel from the Army, 3,300 from the Royal Navy and 2,700 from the RAF.