CHRIS Scott, manager of Lyneham Computers on the Calne Road, said the news of the closure had been what most people had been expected, but that nevertheless, it was a huge blow.

"Around 60 per cent of our business is done with base personnel and that loss will be terrible for us, so bad, that we may have to move to another location completely," he said.

Bulent Pusgun, manager of The Golden Plaice fish and chip shop in Calne Road, said: "We have been here for ten years and the news of the closure is a disaster for us.

"Practically all our custom comes from the base and I have to think about my family and our livelihood we will probably close down."

As the RAF moves out of Lyneham, one of the biggest losses will be felt at the infants and junior schools, where 75 per cent of the pupils are from forces' families.

Junior school headteacher Ian Tucker admitted that it would have an impact, but added that the school would survive and adapt.

"Over the years, the movements of personnel have always affected the school," said Mr Tucker.

"Sometimes our numbers can go down drastically, as families are stationed away from the base.

"But we have the assurances of the Education Authority that the school will continue in the village."

At The Mallard pub on Calne Road, a favourite watering hole for RAF personnel, landlord Mike Clarke said he was baffled by the MoD's decision.

"The Government are asking our Armed Forces to do more and more, with less and less," he said.

"There is a general feeling of bewilderment among my locals, they can't understand why the Government would want to close the base and move operations to Oxfordshire. It seems senseless."

The news has come as a personal blow to Maddy Wheatley, 43, a supervisor at the Londis village store.

She said: "My husband has been stationed at Lyneham since 1996 and we didn't want to move. The children are settled in local schools and we see Lyneham as home.

"But this is part of being in the armed forces and, although I think it is a mistake to close the base, I do not think it will harm the village long-term.

"There is lots of housing here that can be sold off, which will bring new families here."

Londis manager Steve Masie said the village is well-used to adapting itself to the RAF as it comes and goes, and is hopeful it will survive long term.

"Half of our trade drops off every time the RAF are either stationed away or leave for a conflict," he said.

"And even though the RAF are set to leave by 2012, I am sure that all the housing will be sold on to new residents, who will replace the custom we get from the base.

"Of course there will be a period of loss and it will be a crying shame to lose the base. But the feeling among our customers is that most people have been resigned to the base closing for some time.

"I think the village will survive."