DEFENCE Minister Geoff Hoon promised to listen to the people of Lyneham when he considers the future of RAF Lyneham after being presented with a dossier of the Gazette's campaign when he visited Wiltshire on Friday .

Mr Hoon was on Salisbury Plain launching Army 2002, the annual display day.

"I cannot give any assurances about the future of Lyneham but everything will be taken into account, including all the issues in the local area," said Mr Hoon, as he was presented with the dossier by reporter Dean Valler. "I will listen to what you have said," he added.

Mr Hoon said he did not know when the review in to the future of the base would be completed.

He added: "We are looking at the way in which our forces are organised and there is a review under way in which we are looking at our commitments. We need to get the right structure to suit our requirements.

"I have asked Lyneham and the other bases to talk to the staff so they understand the situation, and we are looking to get the decision as soon as possible."

Almost 12,000 people have signed the Gazette's petition against the closure of the base.