October 26, 2022 10.28 pm This story is over 29 months old

Plans for RAF air raid shelter to become heritage attraction

The last remnant of this part of RAF Faldingworth
The air raid shelter could have become part of a heritage trail | Photo: Kelly & MacPherson Architects.

An RAF air raid shelter could be opened to public as a living piece of history.

The structure is the only surviving part of what was once the sick quarters at RAF Faldingworth.

The concrete shelter would have provided refuge for 50 men, and has an escape hatch at the far end.

It could become part of a heritage project launched in 2010 by the RAF Ingham Heritage Group.

“The intention is for the former shelter to be included as part of an existing heritage trail, which would be available to view by appointment and on specific memorial days coinciding with the wider trail and events,” the application states.

There are very few remaining shelters of this type, which were manufactured by Stanton Ironworks near Nottingham.

Another house (designed in the style of the former RAF quarters) would be built to support the heritage work.

The shelter is likely to highlight the contribution of Polish servicemen during the Second World War.

RAF Faldingworth was the bomber base for the 1667 Heavy Conversion Unit and No. 300 (Polish) Squadron during the war.

Afterwards, it was used by the No. 305 (Polish) Squadron and then as a resettlement camp for Polish veterans.

When RAF Faldingworth closed in 1972, the site was sold as agricultural land, with remaining buildings becoming farmhouses.

Overtime, they faced fly tipping, vandalism and arson attacks, and the site was finally demolished in 2019.

The application has been put forward to West Lindsey District Council by Kelly & MacPherson Architects.