Welsh Lib Dems welcome St Athan training academy

1.46.07pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 17th Jan 2007

Dominic Hannigan and the Welsh Lib Dems have welcomed the news about St Athan

Welsh Liberal Democrats have welcomed the news that St Athan is to be home to a defence training academy for the armed forces bringing thousands of new jobs to the South Wales economy.

St Athan was confirmed in Parliament this afternoon as the site for a new defence training academy, creating 5,000 jobs and £58m annually to the local economy.

Assembly leader Mike German said: "This is excellent news for the South Wales economy and we welcome this decision to move forward. There is work still to be done but this will have a substantial impact on the economy providing high skill jobs in the medium term and thousands of construction jobs in the short term.

"The challenge is for South Wales to prepare for the impact this will have. We must develop relevant skills training in our schools, colleges and universities. We must have the infrastructure in place to meet the transport, education and health needs of this new academy. The announcement may even provide the impetus for a more regular rail service to the area and serving Cardiff Wales Airport."

Enterprise, Innovation and Networks spokesperson, Kirsty Williams: said: "It is hard to underestimate the economic impact this successful St Athan's bid will have. It is a huge investment in Wales and the people of Wales, and my congratulations go to all those who have worked on the bid, who have been vigorously promoting the advantages of a South Wales location and the useful experience of the local workforce.

"There have been a number of job losses and closure threats at St Athan over the past few years, but this contract should now bring some stability to the workers and to local people. It is a vote of confidence not just in St Athan, but in the whole of Wales - a recognition that we are a location with expertise, a country with ability, a place to do business."

Cardiff South and Penarth campaigner Dominic Hannigan added: "I am delighted that the contract has been awarded to St Athan. This is a huge boost to the people of the Vale of Glamorgan and South Wales as a whole.

"It is important that once the celebrations are over, planning begins for the effect that the new academy will have on local services. As long as plans are made quickly, and local people are kept informed there should not be any serious problems."