RAF Lyneham is to close, it has been announced.

The base will shut on December 31, 2012.

North Wilts MP James Gray said: “I was devastated to hear - from an internal letter from a Wing Commander at RAF Lyneham - that despite all of our efforts, the base is to close on 31st December 2012.

“The fact that ministers did not have the courage to make this announcement to Parliament speaks for itself.

"There are 750 civilians employed at RAF Lyneham and many hundreds of others in my constituency who owe their livelihoods in one way or another to the base and this news will come as a great blow to all of them, as well of course to the many thousands of RAF personnel who it will affect.

“I pledge to continue the battle with this Labour Government to try to find some means of reversing this decision in the event of there being a Conservative Government, or otherwise to do everything that I can to find a secure future for the base and the people who will be so affected by its closure.”

Will you be affected by the closure? Tell us what difference it will make to your life: leave your comment below or email newsdesk@swindonadvertiser.co.uk or call us on 01793 501804.