April 5, 2019 4.29 pm This story is over 59 months old

Local Democracy Weekly: New Reds training airspace signals tourism boom

Imagine being able to see the Reds train over the county’s coastline

Where would you like to see the Red Arrows training in Lincolnshire? This is the question being asked by the Ministry of Defence at the moment, as it looks to relocate the team.

The move to sell RAF Scampton has sparked a staunch campaign by officials to keep the reds in the county. Waddington is a possible new home, with two locations named elsewhere, and considering the more than 7,300 signatures on a campaign by Visit Lincoln and local media, the public back them.

So far, three RAF stations have been chosen for the team, but the MOD is now looking at possibly locations for training airspace – where their practice flights will be.

There are plenty of places that would be great to see the team – especially if you were to look at the tourism opportunities.

Many keen aircraft enthusiasts have been known to gather at the viewing areas around Scampton and other military bases to watch the team take off, perform through the sky and land.

So, imagine if they were allowed to train in airspace over somewhere like the Wolds, or the Lincolnshire coastline – attracting visitors over to the East of the county.

Safety would have to be taken into account – you probably couldn’t have them rehearsing stunts directly over Skegness or Mablethorpe homes.

But if this “free” attraction stayed, it might draw the crowds that Lincolnshire County Council and East Lindsey District Council for instance so desperately want.

It could even perhaps even help in the regeneration of the seaside towns at effectively a neutral cost.

The map of potential airspace being considered currently covers the whole of Greater Lincolnshire. You can have your say here

The petition you need to sign to keep the Red Arrows in Lincolnshire

Visit Lincoln and The Lincolnite have been running an official petition to keep the Red Arrows in Lincolnshire once RAF Scampton closes. The petition has over 6,100 signatures.

SIGN THE PETITION TO KEEP THE RED ARROWS IN LINCOLNSHIRE HERE

Lydia Rusling, Chief Executive of Visit Lincoln, said: “As the organisation responsible for tourism in Lincolnshire we are very encouraged to hear that the Red Arrows may stay in the county.

“We have been working alongside The Lincolnite and partners to show our county’s passion and pride in the Red Arrows to keep them in Lincolnshire.

“Our rich aviation heritage attracts people from all over the world, and seeing the Red Arrows regularly in the Lincolnshire skies ensures our connection remains a delight for both residents and visitors.”

SUBSCRIBE TO LOCAL DEMOCRACY WEEKLY, our exclusive email newsletter with highlights from coverage every week, as well as insights and analysis from our local democracy reporters.