Support pledged to try and save RAF Scampton from closure

It was announced last week that the Ministry of Defence will be closing the RAF base in 2022 as part of a move to cut costs.

People have now pledged their support to try and save the site which has been home to the Red Arrows since 2000 and the 617 Squadron as they prepared for the Dambusters mission during the Second World War.

A number of petitions have been started including one by Lincoln MP, Karen Lee, which has more than 2,000 signatures.

Karen said: “I am both shocked and disappointed at the decision to close our local RAF base.

“It will hit the economy hard. I am saddened at the loss of 600 jobs and my thoughts are with those who will be affected.

Another petition has been started by Lee Mullin, which has more than 5,000 signatures.

He said: “The base has been at the heart of RAF operations, but after surviving countless rounds of defence cuts it is now being sold as the MoD tries to save billions of pounds.

“This base can easily be saved and allowed to carry on as usual. Far too much of our history has been lost this way.

“As a proud British citizen I care about losing yet more of our rich proud history.

“Not the ideal way to mark the 100th anniversary of the RAF.”

And a petition started by Darren Bugg has more than 3,000 signatures.

A charity which helps to preserve British airfields has also spoke out about its support for RAF Scampton.

Kenneth Bannerman from the Airfields of Britain Conservation Trust, said: “We have been doing everything possible the charity can do to try and save Scampton.

“We have suggested practical solutions.

“This is one of the many things we do, trying to save airfields from closing or being destroyed and this is what we’re trying to do.

“There is also the timing of it all with the 100th anniversary of the RAF and the 75th anniversary of the Dambusters.

“It is a sad state of affairs all around.

“We are doing everything we possibly can.”