RAF base closure hits 1,350 posts
BBC News
16th June 2005
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/e...re/4099640.stm
Many jobs at the RAF base will relocate to High Wycombe
RAF Innsworth in Gloucestershire is to close with the loss of 1,350 posts, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has said.
The MoD has decided to relocate the Personnel & Training Command (PTC) from Innsworth to RAF High Wycombe, Bucks.
In a statement the MoD said there would be an overall reduction of 1,000 military and civilian posts, although many personnel would transfer.
The MoD said the decision was made because of what it called new security challenges.
"The decision to relocate the PTC headquarters with the RAF's operational headquarters at High Wycombe will deliver significant efficiency savings and a more modern and effective command headquarters structure for the RAF," the statement said.
Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram said: "This programme of modernisation is vital if we are to create a flexible and adaptable RAF, equipped to deal with the challenges of the new world.
"I recognise that this announcement will cause disappointment in the Innsworth area. We are doing everything possible to mitigate the impact on the staff concerned."
The PCS Trade Union greeted the announcement with some dismay.
"We are concerned that the decision, which flies in the face of published government policy, has gone virtually uncommented on by local politicians and media, they said in a statement.
"We hope that it is not too late to reverse this ill-considered decision."