Fury as historic Dambusters buildings at RAF Scampton ‘fallen into poor condition’

Council officials in Lincolnshire say historic buildings at RAF Scampton, including the former officers’ mess used by the Dambusters, are deteriorating as the Government prepares to sell the former airbase. They warn that water ingress and severe winter weather could cause further damage, raising concerns about the future of the Grade II-listed buildings.

The Home Office says inspections and a maintenance programme continue, and hangar repairs are under way, but temporary repairs to the officers’ mess are not being made while it is on the market. The Government rejected a council-backed proposal to develop the site for aviation, heritage and research, and is understood to favour an unnamed defence-sector buyer; no transfer date has been confirmed.