'We'll make it as hard as possible': Save Our Scampton warn any future buyers of RAF base

The Save Our Scampton campaign group have told us they're prepared to protest on the A15 again if the regeneration deal doesn't go through.

The Government have announced they're putting RAF Scampton on the open market, instead of selling it directly to West Lindsey District Council, who've proposed a £300 million regeneration deal.

"We're just going to keep screaming and shouting," said Sarah Carter from Save Our Scampton.

"If it means potentially moving back to the A15 in a tent, then so be it. We'll make it as hard as possible for any prospective buyer apart from West Lindsey District Council.

"Anyone else won't want the site because they won't want to have to deal with us."

West Lindsey District Council and Scampton Holdings announced their plans for the site two years ago - which include a business and heritage centre.

The former airbase is seen as vital due to its historic connections with the famous 617 ‘Dambusters’ Squadron, and its economic potential relating to defence, air and space.

"It is a little bit like a kick in the teeth. They know how long and how hard we've campaigned and how much everybody wants this," said Sarah Carter.

"What they're doing is trying to claw as much money back as possible, and that's all that it's about. They've wasted, I think it's up to £64 million the site now, so they want to be seen to be trying to claw some of that money back."

Shortly after plans for the regeneration deal were announced in 2023, the Government said asylum seekers were set to be housed at RAF Scampton.

However, after several protests from Save Our Scampton and legal action by West Lindsey District Council, the Government dropped these plans.

"We are slowly declining on our national history and heritage sites. The amount of museums that are closing down every year," said Sarah Carter.

"We're not gonna have anything left, so to be able to preserve this, invest in the site.

"But they also want to have aerospace companies come and work here as well. There's a company that wants to send satellites up into space. They want to have several immersive museums and an education centre.

"This area could be something quite special and to have them essentially take all that away, it's heart breaking."