WHILE the Government is facing criticism for raiding the Ministry of Defence budget to fund the Afghanistan operation, RAF Odiham is to get a significant increase to its Chinook fleet.

The announcement this week by Defence Secretary, Bob Ainsworth, must be seen as a bitter sweet pill for the Royal Air Force - while gaining in terms of helicopter provision, it is to bear the brunt of cuts which will see an airbase closed, a Harrier squadron scrapped and a reduction in the number of military personnel.

For full story, see this week's Alton Herald.