THE campaign to keep 40 Commando at Norton Manor has been a long one.

Here is a quick timeline of events...

  • November 2016: Then-Defence Secretary, Sir Michael Fallon, announces Norton Manor is to close along with 55 other sites as part of a bid to streamline the MoD estate. Taunton Deane MP Rebecca Pow said she would be "very sad to see them go" but that cost savings and the advantages of grouping Marines together meant the decision was "sensible in the long-term".
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  • November 2017: One year on from the announcement, Taunton Deane Borough Council confirms it is in talks with the MoD over the future of the Norton Manor site, which it sees as "an opportunity for Taunton"
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  • July 2018: Taunton Deane Lib Dem parliamentary candidate Gideon Amos reveals thousands have signed petition opposing the closure of the camp, which the MoD says is still going ahead
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  • October 2018: Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson causes confusion after saying there are 'no plans' to close Norton Manor in response to a question by MP Rebecca Pow
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  • October 2018: MoD confirms camp WILL close after confusion in Parliament
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  • November 2018: A row over 'party politics' taking over the debate on Norton Manor breaks out amid attempts to single out one party's campaign to save the camp over another's
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  • December 2018: County Gazette launches non-political 'Keep The Camp' campaign
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  • February 2018: Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson visits Norton Manor as part of a trip to Taunton with MP Rebecca Pow - promises to return to town
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  • February 2018: Lord Ming Campbell backs the campaign to keep 40 Commando at Norton Manor
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  • February 2018: Taunton Deane MP Rebecca Pow hints the sale of other MoD land could save Norton Manor
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  • February 2018: Government u-turn over closure of Norton Manor is confirmed, with Defence Secretary set to make announcement at the camp. MP Rebecca Pow says she is "thrilled" at the news
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