Whitton Rallies Behind Kneller Hall

12.00.00am GMT Wed 18th Dec 2002

900 Whitton residents have written to MP Vincent Cable expressing concern over the possible loss of the Royal Military School of music at Kneller Hall if the MOD proceeds with a move to Sandhurst.

75% felt that a move would be "very bad" for the area and another 13% said it would be "regrettable".

If alternatives were to be considered the preferred option would be sports facilities (40%) or a boarding school (18%) or a hotel (15%); there was little enthusiasm for housing.

Vincent Cable said that the response was a "very strong affirmation of community support for Kneller Hall."

"After my last meeting with the Minister I am quite optimistic that the move can be headed off, but I can now write to him with a strong demonstration of community support".

"I also welcome the decision of the council to give the Freedom of the Borough to Kneller Hall. But waiting until 2007 suggests that the council does not give this matter very high priority and it will not help much in the campaign to save the Military School for the borough".