Local MP Welcomes RAF Scampton News

Edward Leigh MP applauded the decision by the Minitry of Defence to station the Red Arrows and the RAF’s Air Surveillance and Control System (ASACS) unit at RAF Scampton for the foreseeable future. This will include resurfacing the runway at RAF Scampton. Mr. Leigh said:

"I have just been informed by the Minister that they intend to keep RAF Scampton open. This is a vindication of our long campaign and a credit to all those who have worked so hard to keep RAF Scampton open. The Red Arrows are a treasured part of North Lincolnshire and I welcome their continued presence. The MoD’s investment in RAF Scampton’s runway demonstrates a welcome commitment to the future of the base. It is appropriate that the decision to keep open the historic home of 617 Squadron, the Dambusters, comes in the month which a lasting memorial will finally be opened to the brave men of bomber command, many of whom flew from bases in Lincolnshire. 

"It is fantastic news that we will keep all the jobs associated not only with the Red Arrows, but also with the ASACS unit, within the local area. 

"I have always been clear on my desire to keep the Red Arrows flying out of the home of the Dambusters and I welcome the MoD’s vote of confidence in North Lincolnshire."

Edward Leigh has been running a campaign to keep RAF Scampton open since the closure of the base was first proposed – triggered by the cost of runway resurfacing.

United in Condolence for Red Arrows Pilot

Edward Leigh MP offered his condolences to the family and relatives of the RAF pilot killed in the Red Arrows during Prime Minister’s Questions today. Mr. Leigh, whose constituency includes RAF Scampton, asked

"In joining me in giving our condolences to the relatives of the Red Arrows pilot killed at RAF Scampton yesterday, will the Prime Minister acknowledge the overriding need for safety, and that our campaign to save RAF Scampton from closure is not just based on sentiment for the historic home of the Dambusters but on the overriding need for the kind of safe, uncluttered skies above north Lincolnshire which the Red Arrows need to practice safely."

The Prime Minister, David Cameron responded: 

"I’m sure the hearts of everyone in this House go out to the family of the pilot who was killed in this terrible accident. It comes on top of a second accident that happened in the Red Arrows and this has obviously been a very tragic time for something the whole country reveres and loves."

The Prime Minister said he knows the Red Arrows consider their Lincolnshire home 'extremely important' and added that 'we must get to the bottom of what happened'.

Edward Leigh has campaigned for the Ministry of Defence to state its intention of keeping RAF Scampton open, especially as home to the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, known as the Red Arrows. Mr. Leigh has met with MOD ministers and written several letters putting the case for the base’s continued usefulness as part of Britain’s defence community and a large contributor to the local economy.

Cllr. Roger Patterson, Conservative (Scampton Ward) said: 

"I am very sorry to hear about the death of Flt Lt Shaun Cummings, of the Red Arrows. 

"Coming so soon after the tragic loss of Flt Lt John Egging it has really it the community of Scampton Hard. 

"Sometimes the things you take for granted are appreciated more when tragedy strikes and right now the community at Scampton realise how blessed we are to have The Red Arrows as part of our community, and we stand resolutely behind the team and all our brave servicemen and woman at Raf Scampton. 

"We are steadfast in our belief that The Red Arrows must fly again as soon as possible and continue to bring joy to the millions of people around the world who hold them in such high esteem and that they continue for many more years and that they do this from Raf Scampton because we as a community are proud that they are based here. 

"My sincere condolences go out to his family, friends and his team mates at such a tragic time."

Eric Pickles Brings Westminster Magic to West Lindsey

As exclusively revealed on here at the start of July the Rt. Hon. Eric Pickles MP, Her Majesty's Principle Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, visited West Lindsey, Lincolnshire yesterday.

Arriving at Retford Station Mr. Pickles was greeted by Leader of West Lindsey District Council, Cllr. Burt Keimach, Conservative (Market Rasen Ward) and Chairman of West Lindsey Distirct Council, Cllr. William Parry, Conservative (Scotter Ward).

Eric Pickles and Liam Smith, lock wands at the opening of the
Room of Requirement at Hemswell Cliff Primary School
(c) John Jenkins/Lincolnshire Echo

Mr. Pickles was speeded away to Hemswell Cliff Primary School yesterday to open a new £10,000 community facility, their 'Room of Requirement'. Named after a secret room within Hogwarts Castle, the library will be open to residents inside and outside of school hours. The Secretary of state even engaged in a wand duel with one pupil to celebrate the opening of a Harry Potter-inspired library.

Mr Pickles praised villagers for their 'heart' in trying to improve the community. Mr Pickles. told pupils:

"If I had known this was being named after Harry Potter I would have wanted a wand.

"I am not from the Ministry of Magic but times are hard."

Speaking of Roman philosopher Marcus Tullius Cicero. Mr Pickles said:

"He said for complete contentment that what you need is a garden and a library. Today he would have said what you need is a garden and a Room of Requirement."

The ninety-one pupils from the school sang two songs which Mr. Pickles praised. Head teacher Mrs. Suzanne Scott said:

"It's a great honour to welcome the secretary of state to our school.

"We are looking forward to using this facility along with our community."

After touring the school, Mr Pickles was briefed on West Lindsey District Council's plans to revitalise ex-RAF bases at Hemswell Cliff, Brookenby and Newtoft, plus RAF Scampton by Cllr. Paul Howitt-Cowan, Conservative (Hemswell Ward), who said the aim was to create more community spaces.

Having seen some of the dilapidated buildings, Mr Pickles said:

"I will rattle the MoD's cage on this as this is a place we should celebrate. What you do have should be a joyous occasion. It shouldn't be like visiting the Bronx. In fact, the Bronx is better."

Mr Pickles later visited Gainsborough to hear about the work of West Lindsey District Council and the way an 'entrepurnurial council' is being delivered.

In the evening Mr. Pickles was guest of honour at a Gala Dinner held at the Gainsborough Golf Glub, Belt Road, Thonock.

Red Arrows Say 'Thanks' to Residents of West Lindsey

The world famous Red Arrows based at Royal Air Force Scampton in West Lindsey have thanked local people for their support.

Squadron Leader Ben Murphy, Officer Commanding and Team Leader of the Red Arrows, said:

"When we perform displays we are acting as ambassadors for both the Royal AirForce and the United Kingdom. We can't do this without the support of the peopleof Lincolnshire. For six months of the year we have to use the skies here to
practice and perfect the display. Without the support of local residents it would make things very difficult."

The Red Arrows winter training programme at Scampton runs from October through to March. For safety reasons each Red Arrows' display is designed to follow the same flight path over the ground.

Squadron Leader Murphy explained:

"To get to the standard needed for us to be allowed to display to the public we have to practice the same sequence of manoeuvres. We start with small formations of say four aircraft and gradually build up to nine as the winter months pass."

All military aircraft are required to avoid flying directly over residential areas, hospitals, schools, animal sanctuaries and other sensitive areas, whenever operationally possible.

The Red Arrows are no exception but given the location of some of the nearby villages to RAF Scampton, such as Burton, the Carltons, Scampton, Aisthorpe, Brattleby, Cammeringham, Ingham, Hackthorn, Nettleham, Dunholme and Welton, this is not always practicable.

Squadron Leader Murphy added:

"We do make every effort to avoid residential areas where possible. The aerobatic flying that we do is subject to the very strictest of safety rules and regulations, as are all of our engineering operations. If anyone has any questions about what we do please do get in touch. We are always happy to chat through local residents concerns."

For more information about the Red Arrows visit www.raf.mod.uk/reds.