FORMER leader of the Liberal Democrats, Lord Ming Campbell, has called for 40 Commando's Norton Manor Camp to remain open - as MP Rebecca Pow hints there may be OTHER MoD land which could be sold for housing to keep 40 Commando in Somerset.
Lord Campbell wrote to Defence Minister Tobias Elwood in response to the Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate for Taunton Deane, Gideon Amos' campaign to save the camp, which was launched in 2016.
The closure - due by 2028 - was announced in 2016 as part of the Better Defence Estate strategy, one of 56 Ministry of Defence sites that would close - along with 35 previously announced.
It would mean 40 Commando being relocated, probably to Plymouth.
In December last year, your County Gazette also launched a campaign to keep 40 Commando at Norton Manor.
But in his letter, Lord Campbell wrote that one of the benefits of the strategy - to sell of MoD land such as Norton Manor - may not be possible.
"It is clear that the planned closure of Norton Manor camp is being driven by the desire to make financial gains from the sale of military estate," he said.
"Whether this will be achieved in the case of this particular site is highly questionable.
"What cannot be in any doubt however is that this step is not being taken to achieve operational military objectives.
"On those grounds alone I would urge your Department to reconsider its plans.”
Replying, Defence Minister Tobias Ellwood confirmed the camp would not be closed before 2028.
Earlier this month, Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson visited the camp alongside Deane MP Rebecca Pow, who has also been campaigning to keep the camp open.
VISIT: Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson in Taunton earlier this month
Writing to Mr Williamson after his visit, Ms Pow said: "All things being equal, best value for money may be to leave them where they are, given the significant investment in the facilities which has taken place recently."
She also hinted that there may be other MoD land in Norton Fitzwarren which could be sold off for housing.
"Perhaps, this might be explored further," she added.
Mr Amos pledged to continue the campaign to Keep the Camp, “without ducking or diving, flipping or flopping and for as long as I have breath in my body”.
He added: “The whole project by this Conservative government to get rid of perhaps Taunton’s proudest institution is coming unravelled month by month.
"Not only would it cost a fortune to rebuild current facilities elsewhere, the Conservative Government’s own disposal disposal document lists housing potential on the site as zero.
"It is also rumoured that the land was granted to the Army by the Bowes Lyon family covenanted to be used for the nation, so it’s looking like the muddle-headed ministers may not be able to sell the land at all, defeating the original purpose behind closing it down.
"Local people are still adding their names to my petition and stop me in the street to tell me what a stupid idea the closure is, I’ve even invited the Conservative MP elected last time to add her name. She hasn’t yet, maybe she’s awaiting permission to do so.
"What we need is a new positive attitude to public services and particularly those men and women who serve our country so bravely.
"Let’s Keep the Camp and create new affordable employment sites elsewhere in our area, it’s time to put the County Town back in the premier league.”
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