I understand that North Wiltshire MP James Gray has recently asked questions in the House of Commons about a rumoured closure of the Royal Air Force base at Lyneham.

Mr Gray suggests if the base was to close it could have a disastrous impact upon the local economy. I don't agree.

I believe that should the Royal Air Force move out of Lyneham this would leave the airfield ripe for development as an airport to serve Swindon and the wider area.

An ambitious Swindon seeking to achieve city status will undoubtedly be better served with improved transport links to the wider world.

If RAF Lyneham does close then perhaps this is an opportunity too good for Swindon to miss.

Geoff Brewer

Downlands Road

Devizes