COMMUNITY leaders have demanded improvements to RAF Benson’s ‘ageing’ accommodation, but Government defence bosses said there were no immediate plans to invest in the base.

Last week, the Government formally lifted its threat to close or downgrade the airbase, where Puma and Merlin helicopters are stationed, following a five-year review.

There are 1,700 RAF personnel at Benson and 1,500 relatives living at the base.

Wing Commander Steve Jackson branded many of the buildings, including the station’s medical centre, well past their sell-by-date and vowed to fight for investment.

John Howell, the MP for Henley, which includes Benson, said: “Now that the Government has decided RAF Benson is to stay, it needs to spend the money the station needs to improve conditions for the personnel there, for example, in better housing.”

Benson county councillor Tony Crabbe said: “I would like to see the accommodation at a high standard.”

Derrick Hoare, chairman of Wallingford Partnership Ltd — an group of traders, teachers, councillors and individuals set up to boost business – said: “I hope any upgrading of accommodation and facilities at the base, which may have been put on hold during the review, will now be put in hand so staff enjoy the best facilities needed to do their job.”

The Ministry of Defence said no plans were in place for new accommodation at Benson at the moment, but it planned to spend £8bn on accommodation globally over the next 10 years.

An MoD spokesman said: “Families are no longer required to live in properties at the lowest standard of condition.”

Before last week’s announcement, station commander Gp Capt Jonathan Burr said he was keen to see significant investment in the ageing estate.

wallingford@oxfordmail.co.uk

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