THE loss or downscaling of RAF Benson would affect its host village and Wallingford to the core.

While the Ministry of Defence was batting away questions about RAF Benson’s future, a leaked report from the Government is considering ‘deleting’ Puma helicopters and reducing the Merlins — both of which are here in south Oxfordshire.

Having two airforce bases, staffed by excellent and dedicated service personnel, is a source of great pride locally, but that cannot be allowed to influence the decision.

There are tough times coming for the military. Up to £7.2bn could be cut out of defence and the RAF is seemingly very much in the Government’s sights.

As Prime Minister (and RAF Brize Norton’s local MP) David Cameron puts it, there will be difficult decisions to be made – big cuts that will affect many military people.

All we can hope is that if the axe does fall locally, then the people who have become real and tangible parts of our communities are spared as much pain as possible.

Any decision to downscale somewhere like RAF Benson will not only affect the base but small, local businesses already struggling to make their way in these tough times.