I’ve always believed that you have to focus on the future and grasp the opportunities and challenges ahead in preference to standing still and being overtaken by events.
Wiltshire is forward thinking and is good at managing change. Take the example of the army basing programme. We started talking about the impact of 4,000 troops and their families relocating to the county back in 2013, when 2020 – the timeline for the relocation – seemed a long way off.
Now that we’re almost half way through 2016 - 2020 doesn’t seem that far away - and thank goodness that we did look ahead three years ago and recognise the opportunities and challenges that the army basing would bring.
We knew that more homes would be needed and planning permission for 917 homes for military families has been granted at Larkhill, Ludgershall and Bulford and building will start early next year.
But it’s not just about providing homes it’s also about welcoming service personnel and their families to Wiltshire and helping them to become part of the local community. The 5 Rifles will be moving later this summer and we have provided additional classrooms at Bulford Kiwi School to accommodate their children and we will ensure that schooling is available for all the families who will be moving to the area.
I recently visited the Forces radio station based in Tidworth that broadcasts to service personnel and families based on Salisbury Plain. The studio is part of the international British Forces Broadcasting Services and it’s an important link for the military based here and abroad.
My visit was to be part of a Forces TV film updating on the army basing programme. The Ministry of Defence is working to provide families, who will be relocating from abroad and other areas of the country, with a snapshot of life in Wiltshire and what to expect and I was delighted to be involved.
The Canadian Housing Estate was the backdrop and we talked about things that matter to families - housing, schools, job opportunities, the local community and what it’s like to live in our beautiful county. I hope families watching the film will be looking forward to their move and I know they will be made to feel very welcome. Our local communities have been very supportive and involved, which is vital as we all know that an integrated community is far healthier and happier.
By 2020 Wiltshire will house the Army’s largest training area in the UK with three high readiness Reaction Force Brigades and the largest number of Forces personnel.
It’s been a busy three years and there is lots more to do to prepare for these changes. By focusing on the future we are ready to face the challenges and reap the benefits of this programme. This is a major opportunity for Wiltshire that will strengthen our county both economically and culturally as we continue to work together.
It’s not just about focusing on the future, but actively working to shape it for the benefit of everyone who lives, works, visits or is relocating to the county. The next three and half years will no doubt go by as quickly as the past – but our preparation and forward thinking will stand us in good stead to embrace and welcome the changes and the benefits these will bring.
Jane.
