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RAF move praised
An influx of hundreds of RAF personnel and their families has been hailed as a boost for Wallingford by people in the town.
RAF Benson is set to become one of the country's key helicopter bases when 230 Squadron and its Pumas arrive from Northern Ireland in two years' time.
There have been calls for tolerance over more low flying in the area, but businesses are delighted by the prospect of new customers.
Elaine Hornsby, chairman of Wallingford Business Partnership, insisted the new arrivals would be good for the area. She said: "These will be young people and their families and, although they have many facilities on the base, many will be looking to Wallingford for major shopping and recreation facilities, for schools and so on.
"It's a definite boost to the town."
It is thought about 1,000 extra people will move to the area as a result of the redeployment and will offer a shot in the arm to shops and businesses.
Jean Trimble, from Reading Road, who was shopping in Market Place, said: "Wallingford needs a fillip like this.
"I hope it will mean more shops coming into the town and make supermarkets think it worthwhile coming in to provide competition for Waitrose."
Mayor Betty Atkins said: "Wallingford has always had a very close relationship with RAF Benson - the base has the Freedom of Wallingford - and we're absolutely delighted that its future now looks more secure."
Gp Capt Paul Lyall, station commander at RAF Benson, said: "I welcome the chance to consolidate the Puma helicopter force on a single site.
"We will be working hard over the coming months to provide accommodation and support services for the additional aircraft, personnel and their families."
3:41pm Wednesday 30th April 2008
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CommentPosted by: Mike on 8:39pm Wed 30 Apr 08
Let us hope the living accommodation is a little better than at some other nearby Air Bases!
They deserve it.
Let us hope the living accommodation is a little better than at some other nearby Air Bases!
They deserve it.
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