PLANS for the redevelopment of an army repair base in Warminster are to go ahead, thanks to a multi-million pound rescue attempt.

The South West Regional Development Agency brokered a deal costing £5.6m for the 37-acre site, and is developing a master plan for its regeneration. The deal will not save over 100 jobs due to be lost to redundancy at the Army Base Repair Organisation, which will still go ahead following the loss of a major defence contract last year.

However Steve Richards, head of operations for Wiltshire and Swindon at the SWRDA, said: "There is certainly potential to create new business accommodation to support over 1,000 jobs."

Defence Minister Adam Ingram recently announced plans to cut up to 129 jobs at the base, 82 this financial year and a further 47 to go in 2007/08. Dr Andrew Murrison MP said: "The announcement should mean that quality jobs will be brought to Warminster and I believe represents good news for the town."

The SWRDA will work with local partners, including West Wiltshire District Council and Wiltshire County Council, to create a master plan for the regeneration of the site, which could include units for start-up businesses.

Ian Gallin, corporate director at WWDC, said: "We are confident that this partnership approach will deliver real benefits for Warminster and ultimately west Wiltshire as a whole.

"This is a regeneration project that will bring new life to a major brownfield site." If the deal with SWRDA had fallen through the site could have been used for housing.

What local people think:

  • Elizabeth Ryan, 77, of North Row, said: "If it brings people and money into Warminster then it is good."
  • Marilyn Daniels, 65, of Vicarage Street, said: "It's probably a good thing for small businesses because we haven't got a lot in Warminster."
  • Gary Dicks, 37, of Woodcock Road, said: "It's good for the town if we can attract new trade."
  • Jason Hargrave, 27, of CJ Robbins Butchers, said: "Bringing more people into the town is good for us as it means more people will be passing by and might come in to buy something for dinner."