The Red Arrows have been out enjoying the spring sunshine over RAF Scampton on Friday, practicing moves and dusting off some post-season cobwebs ahead of their busy summer schedule.
Preparations are well and truly under way for the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, as they get ready to start their 2022 season, after the recent announcement of the Red Arrows’ 50-date UK summer schedule.
They will begin at the Midlands Air Festival in June before appearing at various sporting events and airshows across Britain, rounding off the national tour at the Great North Run in September.
Getting their synchronised practice in! | Photo: Jay Watson
There was even time for a bit of showboating. | Photo: Jay Watson
Each year the Red Arrows’ aerobatic display changes, so the team are currently practicing new moves and their sequences for the performances later in the year.
The pilots took advantage of the great weather in Lincolnshire on Friday, taking to the skies above RAF Scampton to get some training in.
The pilots flew over RAF Scampton on Friday. | Photo: Jay Watson
Always a remarkable sight in our skies. | Photo: Jay Watson
This will only be temporary training over RAF Scampton, however, as the team will be flying in the vicinity of its soon-to-be home RAF Waddington between March 28 and April 4, in a bid to “familiarise” pilots and the station personnel to their new surroundings.
The practice over Waddington will be a taster session for the Reds ahead of a permanent move to the airbase at an unconfirmed date, once RAF Scampton closes.
The summer schedule begins this June for the Reds. | Photo: Jay Watson
Will you be going to see the Red Arrows this year? | Photo: Jay Watson
Originally Scampton was due to close by 2022, but after a delay on offers from investors to the Ministry of Defence, that has been pushed back.
Major plans have been outlined to convert RAF Scampton into a 550 acre commemorative park for the Red Arrows, Royal Air Force and Dambusters, the details of which can be found on the Horizon Park venture website.
This photographer got some very up-close shots of the aircraft. | Photo: Jay Watson
Elegant as ever. | Photo: Jay Watson
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The final in the latest series of road closures for works on the A1, as part of the Grantham Southern Relief Road project, has been temporarily postponed
A weekend northbound A1 closure was due to be in place between 8pm on Friday, May 20 and 6am on Monday, May 23.
However, Lincolnshire County Council said the closure has been temporarily postponed and once new dates have been confirmed they will be shared.
Works on phase three began in April this year, with the council anticipating that winter 2023 will be the completion date for the relief road.
This will be with the view to reduce congestion and carbon emissions, and provide opportunities for growth in the local economy.
The £102 million Grantham Southern Relief Road project has been led by Lincolnshire County Council, supported by South Kesteven District Council, Highways England, Greater Lincolnshire LEP, Network Rail, Homes England, the Department for Transport and local business contributions.
Safety improvements have been carried out at corner where numerous accidents have occurred in East Keal.
The council is looking into what else can be done to prevent motorists from coming off the road at Hall Corner, while police are looking into the possibility of fitting a speed camera.
A cement lorry recently overturned on the corner in February.
Lincolnshire County Council has found a slight dip in the road where Blacksmith Lane meets the A16 could be the reason why heavy vehicles travelling at excessive speed are tipping over.
It is considering whether to smooth out and realign the road, but says it is concious of the impact that closing the A16 would have on traffic and local businesses.
Several safety improvement measures have already been put in place, including ‘slow’ markings, enhanced bend warning signs and improved chevrons.
Problems have been found with the road surface on the corner. | Photo: Google Street View
Lincolnshire Police are assessing whether a speed camera on the corner would be beneficial, and will be taking speed readings in the coming weeks.
Larger barriers and longer safety fencing have been proposed by the public. However, the county council says that in order for it to be big enough to withstand the impact of overturned vehicles, the cost can’t be justified.
Either the local parish council or the country council could also explore whether to fund a reactive speed sign on the location.
Richard Davies, executive member for highways, said: “We are very thankful to the residents and members of the parish council who have given us their ideas and support in what can be done at Hall Corner. Local knowledge and personal feedback are cornerstones of what we do in terms of delivering the best solutions in the most informed way.
“There has already been much done at this bend to try and mitigate the issues faced and we now have more planned for this particular area that will go on to encourage all road users to drive accordingly in line with the road and conditions.
“I would like to thank everyone involved so far for their input. We will all work together to get the best resolution we can for Hall Corner.”
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