RAF Benson has been hailed as a “huge asset to the community which must be protected” after suggestions that its helicopter fleet is at risk in defence cuts.

Reports claimed the Puma helicopter fleet, which entered RAF service from 1971, faces “deletion” and the number of Merlin helicopters could be reduced as Government reduces spending on the Armed Forces.

The claims sparked fears Benson could be mothballed unless an alternative use could be found for the base.

Residents urged the Government to avoid cuts at the base, to safeguard the local economy and livelihoods of many people living in the area.

The Ministry of Defence called speculation about the helicopters’ future “entirely unfounded”, but said a defence review was under way.

Benson Parish Council chairman Bill Pattison said the RAF base was an “integral” part of the village.

He added: “The RAF base is an important part of the community. That was obvious when hundreds of people lined the streets of Benson last September to welcome the squadrons home from Iraq.

“Economically and culturally, it’s a huge asset to the community and I would urge that it is protected.”

Sue Hill, who runs Derry’s Den gift shop in the village High Street, said any cuts at the base could harm her business.

She said: “I get lots of people from the base shopping in here and, like many shops, I could lose trade if RAF Benson is targeted.

“There’s a lot of support for all the servicemen and women on the base and the homecoming parade was a good indicator of this.”

David Elkins, 22, of Westfield Road, added: “The majority of people in Benson are proud to have an RAF base here.”

The MoD faces seeing its £36.9bn annual budget cut by between 10 and 20 per cent as the Government reduces spending to reduce its budget deficit and cut borrowing.

A strategic defence and security review is currently looking at how to finance Britain’s future defence needs. The results are due at the end of October.

Prime Minister and Witney MP David Cameron said there were “difficult decision” to be made.

However, he added: “I will never forget that defence of the realm is the first duty of any Government.”

The MoD refused to comment on the report, which was leaked to the Evening Standard newspaper in London.

A spokesman said: “The future configuration of our armed forces will be based on the findings of the strategic defence and security review which is under way. Until the review concludes, speculation about its conclusions is entirely unfounded.”

Meanwhile, the future looks brighter for RAF Brize Norton, near Carterton.

RAF Lyneham, in Wiltshire, is scheduled to closure by 2012 and its personnel and Hercules transport aircraft will be transfered to the west Oxfordshire base.

It is not known how many of Lyneham’s 3,000 service personnel will move, but it is likely that extra civilian staff will be hired locally.