Star comment: MoD deal will bring big boost

That's 1,900 jobs at a time when the region is still emerging from one of the worst economic recessions we have known.

Telford & Wrekin Council hopes the Government will build a new MoD logistics hub in the area. It is the type of deal that comes along once in a blue moon.

If the authority is successful is securing the deal, there will be huge benefits to the area. The council will make money by leasing the building and land to contractors before ploughing those funds back into front line services.

The deal is not entirely straight forward, nor is it sewn up. As part of the bid, the council must secure £120m to seal it. That money would be spent buying land and building facilities on the site.

Some may baulk at such investment. After all, following an age of austerity, people will be understandably cautious about the investment of such large sums.

However, those big numbers become much smaller when set against the likely benefits. If the MoD centre generates £60m per year, the numbers look far less daunting.

The protection or creation of 1,900 jobs will further boost the local economy.

Telford & Wrekin is in the final stage of the bidding process and if successful it will secure the continued presence of the MoD in our area.

The region has a long association with the military, with RAF Cosford, RAF Shawbury, MoD Donnington and Copthorne Barracks, at Shrewsbury, all having played an integral part in county life during recent times.

It is in all our interests for the council to press ahead and do everything possible to succeed.

These are exciting times for Telford & Wrekin. The new £250m Southwater development is moving ahead at a rapid pace and the Land Rover and Jaguar business park off the M54 is also moving nearer to completion.

Such investments will help to generate a vibrant economy for our region as we look to move into a new age of economic prosperity. The MoD base would contribute to better times for all.