A campaign group fighting for the retention of RAF Leuchars has insisted a decision on the future of the base should not be rushed.
Members of the Residents’ Action Force, which was set up this year amid rumours the base could be axed, are in “full agreement” with the Scottish Government which continues to call for the Fife base to be saved and have urged MPs at Westminster not to take any decision lightly.
The continued uncertainty, according to the SNP’s defence spokesman Angus Robertson, is doing no one any good.
He warned that residents and businesses near Scottish bases are suffering “intolerable” stress.
Following the latest meeting of the local campaign group, Residents’ Action Force vice-chairwoman Carroll Finnie told The Courier that the complexity of the task to decide where cuts to the defence budget will be made means time is needed to get decisions right.
She added, “Obviously it’s incredibly stressful for our communities at this time while we wait for decisions to be made.
“However it’s more important that the time is taken to get these decisions right and we will continue to fight for the base in the belief that its future is vital to Fife and its economy.”
An economic impact assessment drawn up by Fife Council warned that closure of RAF Leuchars would cost Fife £60 million, and up to 2000 jobs.
Armed forces minister Nick Harvey described the ongoing defence review as a “complex piece of work” adding that it is “absolutely necessary” for ministers to take the time to get it right.
With the campaign ongoing, North East Fife MSP Rod Campbell has met Residents’ Action Force chairman Fraser Phillips and Mrs Finnie to confirm his support for it.