Cosford to house 2,600 in barracks

RAF Cosford received a huge boost this afternoon as it was revealed it will become a permanent base for 2,600 soldiers.

The Ministry of Defence said both 1 Signal Brigade and 102 Logistics Brigade would be relocating to the airbase from their present bases in Germany.

The decision raises the chance of Cosford becoming a so-called super-garrison, with thousands of troops eventually based there.

It is also big boost to the economies of surrounding towns like Albrighton and Shifnal, which were devastated by the decision not to award RAF Cosford with a multi-billion pound Government contract for a national training centre.

Around 300 jobs will be created by the new garrison, which will help offset any jobs lost when Cosford's current training role ends in 2011 and moves to RAF St Athan in South Wales.

Armed Forces Minister Mr Ainsworth said: "I am proud to re-affirm our commitment to the Cosford community."