About 3,000 people are based at Blandford Camp

The government pledged to improve armed forces housing following criticism of conditions by a senior Army officer last month.

The money will be spent at The Royal School of Signals' Blandford Camp.

Uncertainty over the base's future meant only the minimal amounts required for essential maintenance were spent on accommodation there in recent years.

But Defence Secretary Des Browne MP said last month that Blandford Camp would not close in the immediate future.

'Much needed funds'

The sum was revealed after a tabled question from North Dorset MP Robert Walter.

He said: "I am pleased that the MoD have finally decided to allocate much needed funds for improvements to service families accommodation at Blandford Camp.

"I hope this will be enough, because many of the houses are almost uninhabitable.

"Service families should be able to expect a high standard of accommodation."