Bid for defence training college (From Barry And District News)

Bid for defence training college

VALE of Glamorgan MP John Smith has welcomed the support of Peter Hain, Secretary of State for Wales, for the St Athan bid which is one of the front-runners to house a 20billion Defence Training College.

St Athan is up against a bid from RAF Cosford in the Midlands for the future joint Defence Training Academy for the Army, Navy and Air Force.

Responding to a question put to him by John Smith on the floor of the House of Commons about the St Athan bid, Peter Hain said: "St Athan offers an excellent solution as the location for the defence training review.

"One of the bidding consortiums, Metrix, has made St Athan a major element of its bid, which has my support and that of the Welsh Assembly Government.

"I am sure that the bid will be considered on its merits, which are excellent."

John Smith said: "I welcome Peter Hain's support for the St Athan bid which is the superior bid and is streets ahead of the Cosford bid.

"I will redouble my efforts to ensure that this record investment comes to St Athan - which will transform not only the economy of the Vale of Glamorgan but the economy of South Wales."