Preparations are being stepped up at Rutland County Council following the announcement that the army will be arriving at Cottesmore in just 8 months time.
Over 600 troops, and their families, are expected to arrive at the base in July next year – 12 months earlier than originally anticipated.
Councillor Roger Begy, Leader of Rutland County Council, commented: “It’s extremely good news for Rutland that the army will be here sooner rather than later. It means our local shops and services will not feel the impact on trade for as long as they first thought. The arrival of the army is the start of a new chapter for Cottesmore and I’m sure the local community are looking forward to welcoming their new residents.”
Councillor Terry King, Deputy Leader of Rutland County Council, added: “The council will continue to play a leading role in the coming months ahead of the arrival of the army. We’ll continue working closely with the Ministry of Defence to make sure we can do everything possible to make sure the transition runs smoothly. We are also thinking about the support we can offer as a council to the civilian staff still at the base, and also the new personnel and families arriving in the county.”
It’s expected that troops from the 2nd Battalion the Royal Anglian Regiment will arrive at Cottesmore (from Cyprus) in July 2012. It’s estimated that around 250 of these soldiers will bring families with them.
Further troops from 7 Regiment the Royal Logistic Corps will then arrive (from Germany) in 2013.
In preparation for the arrival of the army, a group of officers from Rutland County Council last week headed to North Yorkshire on a one day fact-finding mission. They spent time at Catterick Garrison and with Richmondshire District Council and North Yorkshire County Council.
Chief Executive Helen Briggs commented: “It’s important we are fully prepared for the arrival of the army in 2012. Rutland as a county has been home to the RAF since 1938, and whilst life will probably not be that much different when the army arrive, it’s important we are aware of the little things that will make life easier for our new residents and for those already living in Rutland.”
Helen Briggs added: “We were keen to visit Catterick to speak with the army and also the local councils. Although it’s always difficult to compare different areas of the country, a number of similarities exist with Rutland in terms of the rural nature of both areas and the nearby market towns that provide services to the military base.”
Rutland MP Alan Duncan commented: "‘It is good news that the Army are coming to Cottesmore. Seeing the details confirmed like this is very reassuring. We’ll get the Anglian Regiment in 2012 and the Logistics Corps in 2013. Rutland will get ready to welcome them warmly when they arrive."
To keep up-to-date with the latest news please visit the official council website at http://www.rutland.gov.uk/
