Mixed feelings over RAF Kinloss

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Many have welcomed the announcement made last week by Defence Secretary Liam Fox that troops would move into the station by 2015 saying it will be good for Forres’ prosperity, but others are concerned that soldiers moving in will have a negative impact on the community.

On Forres High Street people gave the ’Gazette’ their opinions.

“As long as it’s going to keep Forres the way it should be I’m not bothered (about the arrival of soldiers),” said one woman who asked not to be named.

Forres woman Margaret Wallace said: “It’s great the base is being kept open.”

Debate also raged on the ‘Gazette’ Facebook page.

One woman, Zara Dodwell said: “Not very happy, they’ll bring trouble.”

But many disagreed. Chris Sherwin said soldiers were “no different” to RAF service people.

Chris Sherwin echoed this view.“Too many people stereotype the Army as trouble which is wrong,” he said.

“My idea of trouble is the neds that mug folk cause a nuisance and have no respect for society.”