Kendrew Barracks, Cottesmore, St Georges Barracks, North Luffenham, Roger Begy, Conservative Leader, Rutland County Council

We are delighted that the long-term future of both army bases in Rutland appears secure with the news that £180 million will be invested into the county as part of the Army Basing Plan.

There is a long and proud military tradition in Rutland and we are honoured to be one of seven UK areas chosen to host returning army troops.

Our local bases at Cottesmore and North Luffenham have an important role to play locally and we look forward to continuing our excellent relationship with the armed forces.

In recent years, Rutland County Council has been at the forefront of work that has already ensured the smooth arrival into Kendrew Barracks of 600 troops (and families) of the 2nd Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment from Cyprus during 2012.

We have also been working closely with army colleagues for some time to plan for the arrival, during 2013, of 7 Regiment The Royal Logistics Corps.  This detailed planning has seen the council work with key external partners as well as army colleagues, to focus on the impact of new arrivals in the areas of health, schools, and skills & employment.

The defence announcement also revealed that '5 Force Support Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers' will also be based at Kendrew Barracks from 2015 onwards.  The council also understands that '2 Armoured Medical Regiment' and '1 Military Working Dogs Regiment (Royal Army Veterinary Corps)' will replace 16th Regiment Royal Artillery at St Georges Barracks, North Luffenham.

The work that the council has already done in tandem with our partners and 2nd Battalion the Royal Anglian Regiment will serve us well in future years.  Our team working on this will now include in their planning the additional arrivals announced by the Defence Minister, and we look forward to welcoming the soldiers and their families to Rutland.

Rutland County Council signed the Army Community Covenant during 2012 which encourages the local community to support local military personnel and their families.

Roger Begy

Leader of Rutland County Council