Blandford Garrison’s commanding officer has given assurances on the camp’s future days after a visit from Princess Anne.

Garrison Commander Brigadier Tim Watts told the Daily Echo that the fate of plans for an £18 billion tri-service defence training college in Wales would not affect the long-term future of Blandford’s military base.

The proposed multi-billion investment in a defence academy at St Athan, south Wales is likely to come under close scrutiny as the new coalition government seeks to cut the national deficit.

“It is wrong to say that St Athan is on the back burner or not going ahead. It came up for approval before the general election and the decision is still in the process of being made,” said Brigadier Watts.

“The plan as it stands if for training to move from Blandford to St Athan in 2015 or 2016. It’s an important modernising step for technical training.

“If it does go ahead, Blandford will still retain a fully operational MOD base. The training may move out, but other units will move in.”

Blandford has had a military presence since the early 1700s. It was used to give Royal Navy sailors military training during WWI and as hospital for injured US servicemen in WWII.

In 1960, personnel from the Royal Corps of Signals joined the camp, who now conduct training and support for soldiers in combat situations across the world from their base on Blandford’s Black Lane.

On Saturday the Corp’s Colonel in Chief, HRH the Princes Royal, Princess Anne, visited the camp and met soldiers, their families, and children at the camp’s Downlands School.

“We were thrilled. She knows the Royal Signals like the back of her hand. We are very, very lucky to have such an interested and informed Colonel in Chief,” said Brigadier Watts.