THE military population on Salisbury Plain is set to grow over the next two years with an influx of 3,500 more soldiers and their families.

The decision to base around 20 per cent of the UK's armed forces in and around Salisbury Plain will bring economic benefits to the region, according to the South West of England Regional Development Agency.

Brigadier Jolyon Jackson, commander of 43 Wessex Brigade, which encompasses Salisbury Plain, said: "The increased military commitment to the area will be beneficial to both the civilian and military communities, and I anticipate troops and their families will become more involved in their local communities, thereby contributing to the long-term economic prosperity of Wiltshire."

Steve Richards, head of operations for the development agency described it as "great news for the region's economy."

He said the decision to increase the Army's presence in Wiltshire by such a large number will give local business and people huge opportunities. Mr Richards added: "A strategic task-force has been set up to support and drive the successful integration of these extra troops and their families into the county, and make sure we make the most of this decision.

"We are working closely with the Army and local partners to make sure they have the land they need to make this work."

One immediate outcome from this new structure is that Warminster has been confirmed as being a proposed site for the Plain's training vehicle fleet base.

This will see the Ministry of Defence buy back the Imber Road site from the South West RDA next year to provide the infrastructure for this development to take place.

The strategic task force will continue to explore the options for the site which support a more integrated military and civilian partnership in Warminster.