MORE groups have joined the special task force formed to discuss the future of the RAF Lyneham airbase.

Westlea Housing, Wiltshire And Swindon Economic Partnership, the Regional Development Agency and the Federation of Small Businesses have all joined the forum, which will meet on September 3.

MP James Gray said: "We have got ten years to get this whole thing straightened out.

"We need to decide among us what we want to see at Lyneham ten years from now and find a way to make this happen, which is something that takes a great deal of thought and planning to get right."

Mr Gray also said he was still seeking clarification of when the K class Hercules would be taken out of service.

He explained that the more modern J class planes will be transferred to Brize Norton in 2009, but the base will stay open until the K class planes are taken out of service.

On July 10 the Ministry of Defence announced the base, which employs 750 civilian workers and 2,500 air personnel, will close in 2012.

Mr Gray, who has been the driving force behind the Save RAF Lyneham Campaign, fears the closure of the base will have a devastating effect on the local area and will knock a £75 million hole in the county's economy.