TAUNTON Deane Borough Council has thrown its weight behind the campaign to keep the Royal Marine 40 Commando base at Norton Fitzwarren.

The Ministry of Defence has announced that the camp is set to close no earlier than 2028, which would end a relationship between the Marines and Taunton dating back 35 years.

Liberal Democrat prospective parliamentary candidate Gideon Amos spoke at Taunton Deane’s council meeting on Tuesday evening calling on members to support the campaign to keep the camp.

Mr Amos said: “A petition I started shortly after the announcement was made has now gained more than 1,500 signatures.

“The 40 Commando Base is estimated to bring in around £14m to the local economy, but it also a big part of our community.

“The closure will not be before 2028, which means I am confident if we work together we can save the camp.”


READ MORE: Your County Gazette launches campaign to Keep The Camp


Taunton mayor Catherine Herbert said she was behind the campaign - having moved to Taunton in 1995 when her husband joined the 40 Commandos.

“Without the camp I would not be here in Taunton today,” Cllr Herbert said.

“I know our MP Rebecca Pow has been emphasising the importance of the 40 Commandos to Taunton, and while I may have a vested interest as a military wife, I do not see that anybody in Taunton Deane Borough Council would object to trying to keep the 40 Commandos in their home where they are well-loved and supported.”

Council leader John Williams said: “I completely agree, having the 40 Commandos based here is a great asset for Taunton and we need to retain the camp.”

A motion for the council to oppose the closure of Norton Manor Camp and relocation of the 40 Commando Royal Marines out of Taunton Deane was unanimously approved.

The move came just weeks after your County Gazette launched a Keep The Camp campaign in a bid to ensure 40 Commando stay in Taunton.