Loss of RAF Coltishall will hit local economy hard says Norman Lamb

10.02.54am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 22nd Jul 2004

Norman Lamb, Liberal Democrat MP for North Norfolk expressed his shock again today in reaction to the Ministry of Defence announcement that RAF Coltishall would close by the end of 2006.

"I am extremely concerned about what effect the closure of the RAF base at Coltishall will have on local businesses and service providers," said Mr Lamb this afternoon. "Many people in the surrounding area rely on the base for employment and the announcement of Coltishall's closure will be a great blow."

Norman Lamb is also concerned over the lack of detail in today's announcement. "We need a more precise timetable from the MoD. There have been suggestions that the Jaguar squadrons could be moved earlier than the date given; this could result in the effective closure of Coltishall significantly earlier than the end of 2006."

"There is also the issue of what would happen to the land once the base has been closed," added Mr Lamb. "Will local people be consulted over redevelopment plans? The base is currently estimated to be worth £30 million to the local economy. I would be very keen to ensure that whatever replaced RAF Coltishall brought equal benefits to local people."

"I will be writing to the Minister for Defence to find out exactly what the plans are for RAF Coltishall," said Norman Lamb. "I will be looking for reassurance from the Government that the closure of the base will not leave a black hole in the local economy. We need a clear picture of timing and of any planned redevelopment so people locally know what's going on."