North Hampshire military base gets a makeover

RAF Odiham near Basingstoke is having its runway resurfaced and new lights installed ina major maintenance operation.

A spokesperson for the base said:

"These essential works will upgrade our existing runway, replacing the lighting with modern, more energy efficient lighting and extending the life in excess of 15 years."

During the work more than 8500 tonnes of asphalt will be removed and replaced, resulting in more than a 1000 vehicles movements.

The base is home to three squadrons of RAF Chinook helicopters. The huge transport helicopter is the workhorse of the RAF carrying military personnel and equipment into battle fields and supply bases. The Chinook force is also used for civilian emergencies and at least one helicopter is always on 24/7 stand-by to help.

The Chinook force will continue to operate while the work takes place on the runway, it's expected to be completed by the Spring.

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