'Patience tested' over RAF Fairford communication

An MP has called for better official communication with people living near RAF Fairford, following issues which she said had "tested everybody's patience".

More than 80 homes in the village of Whelford were evacuated in September after a major incident was declared near the airbase. Two British nationals appeared in court on Tuesday in connection with an alleged Iran-linked plot.

Dr Roz Savage, MP for South Cotswolds, said she has asked the government for information about a number of issues, including whether US bombers would return to the base.

The Ministry of Defence has declined to comment.

The United States flew bombers from RAF Fairford to the Middle East between March and October after the UK approved a US request to use it for defensive strikes on Iran.

People in Fairford, Whelford, Kempsford and Marston Meysey had raised concerns about jet engines running late into the night, air pollution, floodlights shining into bedrooms, and plane-spotters blocking lanes and parking on verges.

The US decided to withdraw all of its bombers from the base following the incident in September and Savage said residents wanted information about plans for the site.

A number of residents have previously spoken to the BBC about feeling like they are "living in limbo" following the September evacuation.

Savage said: "The people who live there are realistic, they know that they are the ones who chose to live next to an airbase, but there are things that can be done to help."

The MP met with Minister of State for Security Dan Jarvis on 26 October, asking for better communication between RAF Fairford, the Ministry of Defence, local authorities and the village parishes surrounding the base.

She said she had made three specific requests during the meeting:

• That the emergency number provided be manned 24/7 as promised, after the woman who first called to report the incident was unable to reach anyone
• Clarity on the future of the base, including whether the US bombers will return. Savage also asked whether conditions to protect local communities, on noise, communication and security, could be attached to any renewal of the United States Air Force's (USAF) arrangement to use the site.
• An up-to-date noise assessment under MoD rules, covering maintenance areas and parked aircraft running their engines

Jarvis told her he would raise the requests with the Minister for the Armed Forces. Savage said she now wanted to secure commitments from that minister.

She said: "My constituents deserve to be kept informed, and they deserve a base that behaves as a good neighbour."

Councillor Tristan Wilkinson, who represents Whelford and surrounding areas on Cotswold District Council, said residents were still waiting for official information.

He said: "People are still unsure what the reality is. There has been a lot of speculation in the press but no official communication.

"We are still waiting for someone in authority to give us some definitive answers and to give us a plan for the future."

A spokesperson for the USAF said: "The safety and security of our airmen, civilian personnel, families, and host communities is our highest priority.

"The 501st Combat Support Wing maintains an enduring, daily partnership with the Ministry of Defence Police and local UK law enforcement agencies to co-ordinate force protection measures and ensure public safety.

"We are grateful for these important partnerships and for the support of the surrounding communities.

"Community vigilance remains essential to our collective security, and we encourage anyone who observes suspicious activity to report it immediately to local law enforcement by dialling 999."

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