The future of Army base in doubt

There are doubts over the future of a Berkshire Army base after a decision to move its garrison to South Wales.

On Wednesday the Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced plans to move all military training to South Wales.

Under the plans, the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Training College at Arborfield will relocate to St Athan, near Cardiff.

The MoD has not confirmed whether military presence will remain at the site or if the land will be sold off.

The move will take place over five years starting in 2008.

RAF St Athan was chosen ahead of RAF Cosford, Shropshire, to house the new centralised defence training academy.

The new armed forces tri-service centre is worth £16bn over 25 years and is expected to create about 5,000 jobs.

The decision was announced by Defence Secretary Des Browne on Wednesday and follows a review of defence training needs.