Fury as historic Dambusters buildings at RAF Scampton 'fallen into poor condition'

Résumé détaillé

Council officials have urged the Home Office to protect the historic buildings before the former airbase is sold.

Historic buildings at one of Britain's most famous RAF bases are reportedly falling into disrepair, sparking fears for their future as the Government prepares to sell the site. Council officials have raised concerns over the deteriorating condition of Grade II-listed buildings at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire, the former home of the legendary Dambusters squadron. The historic airbase, which played a crucial role during the Second World War, is home to a former officers' mess and four hangars which have been granted protected status.

However, according to Lincolnshire Live, West Lindsey District Council has warned that the buildings are suffering from neglect, with fears that worsening winter weather could cause further damage. The officers' mess was once used by members of the famous 617 Squadron, known as the Dambusters, who were based at RAF Scampton during the World War Two.

The building, where airmen would socialise and sleep, is now boarded up, while footage of its interior has been shared by numerous urban explorers since the base closed. Sally Grindrod-Smith, the council's director of planning, expressed particular concern about the officers' mess, warning that water could be entering the historic structure.

She told Lincolnshire Live: "The poor condition of it is poorly visible from the road. We believe there’s serious water ingress. We have flagged this with the Home Office. The buildings are supposed to have a heritage management plan, and there's a risk of further deterioration if we have a bad winter."

Ms Grindrod-Smith urged the Home Office to take action before the site changes hands.

She added: "I would really like to see the Home Office do something soon - we have been saying that for two years. We expect the new owners to take the responsibility seriously."

RAF Scampton's historic hangars also serve as a reminder of the airfield's significance to Bomber Command, with the base continuing to play an important military role throughout the Cold War.

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