People near RAF Scampton reveal their concerns over asylum seeker plans

The Government is looking to locate hundreds of migrants there

People near RAF Scampton reveal their concerns over asylum seeker plans
Author: Andy MarshPublished 31st Mar 2023

The more than 6 hundred people who live close to the former RAF Scampton have revealed concerns about plans to house asylum seekers there with some saying it's a "recipe for disaster".

The Government says it's the best way to reduce costs,

But it's left many locals with questions about exactly what will happen and how it may impact them.

We spoke to many of them nearby, although a lot didn't want to go "on the record" with their concerns.

However Terry Rumble was happy to speak to us.

People are genuinely worried

He was based at Scampton in his second year with the forces, so it has a lot of significance to him.

Now he lives close to the base.

He told us: "My wife and I bought this house 22 years ago."

"I was still in the airforce, I was based at Waddington."

"People are genuinely worried."

"I'm slightly embarrassed to say we've already started to ramp up security here - we've had extra cameras this week."

For this to be overlooked seems a total oversight

"The base isn't for for asylum seekers, it is run down, it's become fairly dilapidated and it's going to cost an awful lot of money to get it to any decent stage that will be habitable for refugees."

He also revealed concerns about the future of the deal to try and regenerate the base.

"My overwhelming feeling is of immense disappointment about such an amazing offer and amount of money to be invested - I understand it's the biggest amount ever privately invested in Lincolnshire."

"To be overlooked seems a total oversight."

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