VILLAGERS have slammed plans to build a £40m RAF nuclear base where the US plans to store bombs amid WW3 fears.
Locals living next to the American military base in Lakenheath, West Suffolk, fear they could become targets of a wider conflict.
Terry HarrisA USAF Soldier using the local Post Office[/caption]
Terry HarrisRetired Medical Professional Allen Turner[/caption]
Terry HarrisRetired Lorry Driver and now School Caretaker Kevin Barns[/caption]
Terry HarrisThe village is home to a USAF base[/caption]
The quiet village sits between two front-line USAF bases in East Anglia.
According to Pentagon documents, RAF Lakenheath will be used as a store for the latest nuclear bombs in case of conflict.
It is the first time such weapons have been kept on British soil.
Plans include two squadrons of the latest F-35 fighters – which have the ability to carry nuclear weapons.
They also announced to boost on-base protection from “forced entry and rifle fire.”
And just last year plans were revealed for a £40 million new dormitory for US air force personnel at Lakenheath.
Locals now fear the activity could target two airfields just ten miles apart in the peaceful Suffolk countryside.
In case of a WW3, the American Air Force war planes based in the UK would be called in.
“In some ways it is good to have the Americans here because it gives us a sense of security – it’s no good us worrying about what might happen.”
Villager Alan Turner
But villagers are worried that their little community could find itself at the centre of a major international conflict.
One villager fumed: ”I fear we will become one of the first targets if this conflict escalates. The enemy will want to neutralise any threat coming from the Americans and us and could well strike first. It doesn’t bear thinking about.
“This is a small happy village and we have got used to having the Americans here. But there is always the risk that if they get involved in a war in the Middle East we will inevitably be drawn in – and miluitary bases like Lakernheath will become a key target for any enemy.”
Café owner Sam Caglar added: ”I would be very concerned if Lakenheath became drawn in and was target. Crews from the base are in here a lot and we are all very worried.”
Another resident slammed: ”It is a terrifying prospect – if such weapons are stored here then the bases could well become involved and become targets themselves – it doesn’t bear thinking about.
“It has always been comforting to see the jets flying low over the village – but we are terrified that they could soon stop practicing and get involved in a real war – it doesn’t bear thinking about.”
‘LIKE HIROSHIMA’
Contracts for the new facility include a new nuclear weapon stores housing warheads – which are reported to be three times more powerful than Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan.
The RAF stations are reportedly expecting a consignment of B61-12 gravity bombs which can deliver a blast of 50 kilotonnes.
Despite the potential powerful weapons, other locals are resigned to the threat.
Rosie Smith, 82, said: ”We will just try to carry on living our lives as normal and hope nothing happens.”
Villager Alan Turner added: ”People living here know what might happen one day – and they get used to it.
“In some ways it is good to have the Americans here because it gives us a sense of security – it’s no good us worrying about what might happen.”
School caretaker Kevin Barnes 53, said: ”Personally I feel safer having the Americans here. There is a lot more going on in this situation than we know about or have been told.”
If nuclear bombs are kept in East Anglia, it will the first time such weapons have been on UK soil in 2008.
The US withdrew them from Europe because at the time Russia’s threat to the world had diminished.
”ABHORRANT IDEA’
Council officials claimed the little community is used to the US military presence.
Local district councillor Gerald Kelly said: ”In reality people here have been living with nuclear weapons on their doorsteps for a long time.
“In terms of day-to-day life locals have learned to live with them even though having weapons stored here is abhorrant for some of them.
“We have Americans here living among us but we all hate the idea of a nuclear war and it would be excellent if there never is one.
“But we need a deterrent and we have co-existed with the Americans for many years.”
MP for West Suffolk, Matt Hancock said he is in favour of an arsenal boost for the USAF locally.
He said: “I welcome this potential expansion. As the local MP, I know how special RAF Lakenheath is and recognise the importance of reinforcing our commitment to shared security and democratic values.
“The people of West Suffolk have long been proud to welcome American service personnel, who live in our community. We must continue to support our American friends and allies, especially in the face of menacing aggression around the world.”
The Ministry of Defence declined to comment on US spending.
A government spokesperson said: “It is long-standing UK and NATO policy to neither confirm nor deny the presence of nuclear weapons at a given location.”
Terry HarrisVillagers have been living alongside US soldiers for years[/caption]
Terry HarrisThe village sits a few metres away from a military base[/caption]
Terry HarrisLocal councillors claim villagers are used to it[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
