Winchester & Chandler's Ford MP Steve Brine has secured positive news about the future of Worthy Down following the Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR).
Steve met with Defence Secretary Liam Fox the morning of Wednesday 20th October, the day after the SDSR was published, and the defence training facility to the north of the city was top of the local MP’s agenda.
Steve said: “I wanted to understand directly from Dr Fox what the implications might be for my constituents and Worthy Down in particular.
“While reductions in military and civilian personnel announced in the review mean we cannot rule any change in defence presence at some future date, I was reassured to hear that Worthy Down is secure.”
In a letter to Steve Brine which followed the meeting, held at the MoD in London, Liam Fox said: “We discussed the Defence Food Services School and I am pleased to confirm it will stay at Worthy Down, which remains a core site for defence. I would like to express my regret at the concern the outcome of the SDSR may cause some of your constituents but appreciate how vigorously you are representing their interests.”
Steve added: “There were, of course, other aspects to the meeting, and we also discussed an issue surrounding some unused land adjacent to the base, which has been identified by many local residents as ideal for allotments.
“I have spoken about Wednesday’s meeting with the Garrison team, and we have agreed to stay closely in touch so we can work to secure the most positive outcome for both Worthy Down and the wider community.”
Pictured; Worthy Down is situated to the north of the city, near the village of South Wonston
