Once RAF Scampton is closed, the Red Arrows will move to RAF Waddington, south of Lincoln.
The Ministry of Defence also confirmed that the Red Arrows will continue to practice above the city and Scampton, since their new planned headquarters will only be 10 miles away from their current home.
No exact date for the closure of the base at Scampton has been confirmed yet, but the initial plan was for it to be shut by 2022.
Now the MoD has said it will look at ways of preserving the aviation heritage of the base north of the city after its closure.
During the Second World War, RAF Scampton was home to 617 Squadron which famously took part in the Dambusters raids in 1943.
Last year the MoD said three locations were shortlisted as potential new bases for the team. RAF Waddington was one of them, as well as RAF Leeming in North Yorkshire and RAF Wittering near Peterborough, Cambridgeshire.
RAF Waddington turned out to be the obvious choice, besides its close proximity, with multiple intelligence and drone operations controlled from the base.
Photo: Amy Airwolfhound
Air Vice-Marshal Warren James said: “The announcement of this move will provide much needed stability for their future endeavours.
“I am delighted that we now have confirmation that the Royal Air Force Aerobatics Team, the Red Arrows, will remain in the heart of Lincolnshire.
“The Royal Air Force remains committed to the strong links it has with the county and a considerable amount of work has been carried out to secure a suitable future home location.”
Defence Minister Jeremy Quin said: “It is good news that we have an excellent base for them at RAF Waddington, and I am delighted that they will be able to continue to practice their extraordinary aerobatic talents above RAF Scampton in their home county of Lincolnshire.”
They also presented an official petition with over 11,000 signatures to the government. Their case was thankfully heard.
Charlotte Goy, Interim CEO at Visit Lincoln, said: “This is really wonderful news and will lift everyone’s spirits during what has been a very difficult time. I’d like to thank everyone who joined our campaign and supported the petition.”
RAF Scampton is currently home to the Red Arrows. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Reactions from Lincolnshire leaders
Lincolnshire County Council leader Martin Hill
Martin Hill, leader of Lincolnshire County Council, said: “This is fantastic news and I’m glad the MoD recognises how well-loved the Red Arrows are by Lincolnshire residents. We value the contribution of the RAF to Lincolnshire and wish them many more years of success in their home county. Although it’s disappointing they can’t stay at Scampton, we will continue to work with West Lindsey District Council and MP Edward Leigh to ensure there is an appropriate use for that base.”
Conservative’s Karl McCartney was re-elected MP for Lincoln in the General Election 2019. Photo: Sean Strange for The Lincolnite
Lincoln MP Karl McCartney said: “I am delighted to hear that, all being well, the Red Arrows will continue to be based in the Lincoln area. RAF Waddington is of course very busy, but given its proximity to Scampton makes perhaps a better choice than Wittering, and is a choice that was nearly made back when I was elected for the first time back in 2010/11. It will be a pleasure working with government ministers and the MoD to make this move a success, and I look forward to seeing the the Reds flying above our city and around our glorious cathedral for many years to come.”
Gainsborough MP Sir Edward Leigh
Gainsborough MP Sir Edward Leigh said: “I have fought to keep the RAF’s aerobatic squadron, the Red Arrows, in our skies in Lincolnshire. I am pleased that they will continue to be based in bomber county. I am however saddened that their home at the historic RAF Scampton is to close as an RAF base. I know that both Lincolnshire County and West Lindsey District councils have been working closely with the Ministry of Defence to prepare for various eventualities and I will continue to support this partnership work as the closure of the base progresses.”
WLDC leader Councillor Giles McNeill. Photo: Daniel Jaines
Giles McNeill, Leader of West Lindsey District Council, said: “I am deeply disappointed that the decision has been taken to close RAF Scampton, whilst the Red Arrows, we are told, will continue to practice in our skies, they will not be based here. The impact of the closure of RAF Scampton is a significant disruption to the local economy and I fully expect West Lindsey District Council to play its part in building a bright future for the base beyond its closure. I would expect partnership working to continue with the Ministry of Defence and Lincolnshire County Council; but also increased participation from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and local stakeholders and residents.”
County Councillor Richard Butroid, for the Gainsborough Rural South division, which includes RAF Scampton, added: “It’s disappointing that they are moving from RAF Scampton, it is good news that they will continue to remain based in the county and we’ll continue to see them in our skies.”
West Lindsey District Councillor Roger Patterson, for the Scampton Ward, commented: “I am really sorry that RAF Scampton is scheduled for closure. It is an historic airbase and its closure will have a substantial impact locally.”
North Kesteven District Council leader Richard Wright. Photo: Steve Smailes/The Lincolnite
Richard Wright, Leader of North Kesteven District Council, said: “I’m very pleased that the Red Arrows will be remaining in Lincolnshire. They are a much loved and appreciated part of the long aviation history of this county and it is to the benefit of the wider county that they will continue to be a part of it. I am also very happy to welcome them back to North Kesteven, as they were previously based at RAF Cranwell for a period, around 20 years ago.
“Moving to RAF Waddington will ensure their continued presence in the skies over Lincoln and Lincolnshire, and as well as extending our proud association with the RAF Aerobatic Team and extending our unrivalled legacy of aviation heritage, having the Reds based in North Kesteven will bring a welcome boost to the local economy and a community feel-good factor.”
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We are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a collision caused serious injuries to a 23-year-old man.
Just before 3.30pm yesterday (2 July), we received reports of a collision on Barholm Road in Tallington. It involved a grey BMW 335D estate, a blue BMW 116D and an orange KTM motorcycle.
The motorcycle rider, a 23-year-old man, sustained serious injuries during the collision and was taken to hospital.
If you witnessed the incident and are yet to get in touch with us, please do so. If you have any other information or dashcam footage available that may have captured the road along the A1175 at the time of the collision, get in touch.
By calling 101 quoting incident 282 of 2 July.
By emailing [email protected] quoting incident 282 of 2 July in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
The 2022 Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards are open for applications, and Destination Lincolnshire giving you the rare chance to co-create your application with Nell Barrington, a tourism awards veteran, who has helped hundreds of businesses write winning applications over the last 15 years – including national VisitEngland winners.
The Tourism Awards Masterclass is taking place on Tuesday 12 July at 11am for one-hour online. Laura Freer, Head of Marketing at Destination Lincolnshire said: “This is a golden opportunity, after years of hard work and heartache, to get your business and team recognised and rewarded.
“A well written application is key to achieving a coveted place on this year’s shortlist, and I’d encourage all tourism and visitor economy businesses who are thinking of entering – whether they are seasoned at writing award applications or not – to join us for this exclusive masterclass.
“Nell Barrington has worked with us and VisitEngland on the founding application processes of these awards, and she is perfectly placed to assist in co-creating applications that you can be proud of. This is a great opportunity for business development too – whether you are shortlisted for an award or not – discovering how to effectively apply for awards and talk up your business adds another string to your bow.
“Booking is essential and places are limited to just 35 – so be quick! This year we’ve made our masterclass available to partners and also to those who we are yet to work with for free. Call it an added bonus, after two years away from the awards circuit.
The awards masterclass is focussed on the application process, and it will spell out what the judges are looking for. You’ll learn how to make your application stand out from the local competition, helping your chances of going through to the national VisitEngland Awards in 2023.”
There are fifteen categories open for nominations from visitors attraction, accommodation providers, hospitality businesses and many more.
The deadline for nominations is July 29, with online judging starting on July 30 and mystery shopping from August 13. Finalists will be announced on Monday, August 15.
The awards ceremony will be held at the Engine Shed on October 21, and will be hosted by Lincs FM presenter, John Marshall.
The event is organised by Stonebow Media, publishers of The Lincolnite, to celebrate the best businesses in Greater Lincolnshire, alongside headline sponsors Lincoln College and Destination Lincolnshire.
We would also like to thank our other sponsors Visit Lincolnshire, Heart of Lincs, Duncan and Toplis and LNER, insight6 and EV Camel.
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