Sometimes living in hope can be blinding to the truth. That’s the case with Lyneham. All the signs are that it will definitely close by 2012, especially when the new cuts in the Defence Review are published. It doesn’t make economic or strategic sense for the RAF to keep it open.

That could have a devastating effect on the community. Pubs, shops, services, and even our golf and leisure club could be damaged by a loss of up to 50 per cent of our business.

And RAF Lyneham could end up as a prison, refugee centre, gypsy encampment or just a derelict wasteland.

I have looked, with some local friends, at investing in Lyneham and creating a new commercial and entertainment centre (not an airport or golf course). It has proved almost impossible because of the additional traffic flows from M4 junctions 16 and 17. The cost of a new junction, even if it were allowed, would be in the region of £30m, which would be totally uneconomical.

But Lyneham can have a future. The Army are desperate to amalgamate some of their logistics and technical divisions to a new larger central base. Lyneham would be perfect. And we would continue the great tradition we have with the services. Jobs and businesses would be saved, council revenues would be secured and Wootton Bassett would have a continuing historical link with the services.

So let’s stop living in dreamland. We can make a difference to our future. Write to James Gray, our MP, and say you support the Army continuing the service tradition in Lyneham.

The RAF has been a vital part of our history and economy. They are, and will always be, part of this community. By continuing with another arm of the services, we will honour the years during which the RAF became an essential part of North Wiltshire.

Eddy Shah, Wootton Bassett.