Life in the shadow of RAF 'spy' base post Fairford

Prime Minister Andy Burnham says an incident at RAF Fairford, which resulted in multiple arrests, was "almost certainly directed by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard". With the current threat level at severe, meaning an attack is likely, the public is urged to remain vigilant around military sites.

"I must admit I was starting to wonder who you were," Chris Nicholas tells me, a step ladder slung over one shoulder and a camera over the other.

The retired chemist looks me up and down, adding: "You're not carrying a camera. You stand out..."

Chris informs me he had clocked my car turning off the A15 and into the Waddington Aircraft Viewing Enclosure, (known by its acronym WAVE), opposite RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire, where we are standing.

The MoD does not comment on specific security measures, but says the public should be reassured the UK and its allies remain vigilant against potential threats and security is taken extremely seriously.

"The protection of our bases is kept under constant review, with a multi-layered approach that includes physical barriers, patrols, surveillance, monitoring, and counter-drone capabilities," says a RAF spokesman.

"As part of this, we encourage members of the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity."

Here in "Waddo", the nickname given to the village by locals, people appear to be doing just that, although there is not understood to be any specific threat against this station or any other.

In the case of Fairford, a farmer called the police to report suspicious activity.

"We also tend to spot when something is out of the ordinary," adds Chris, 67.

"Spotters and photographers are a close community. We all talk here as well as online. Everyone knows each other."

On the other side of a hedgerow that flanks the busy road, a twin-seated F-16 fighter bearing the Belgian flag on its tail-fin lands, sending enthusiasts scurrying to the fence in search of the perfect shot.

Earlier, as I waited for Chris to take a photograph from the top of his ladder, I noticed his interest flicking between me and a dark grey van in the far corner of the car park, some distance away from other parked vehicles.

"I've still got an eye on that van," he says. "I've not seen it before. I'm thinking, 'OK, what's he up to?'

"It's about being vigilant now. We all do it.

"Occasionally, we get the odd salesperson stop and have a cup of tea. It's all innocent enough but it's noticed."

The RAF makes no secret of the fact that Waddington is at the cutting edge of modern warfare being the hub of UK Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) and the main operating base for airborne intelligence aircraft and systems.

It is also the home of the Red Arrows, the RAF's aerobatics display team.

"It would be a prime target," states Chris, grimly.

A large white aircraft with a steely grey underbelly thunders past, its four engines roaring.

Keith Brewins, 80, and his friend Paul Harvey, 58, inform me the aircraft in question is a Rivet Joint RC-135W. The RAF's website confirms it.

It is a reconnaissance aircraft that intercepts and analyses electronic and signals intelligence for military operations.

RAF Waddington is also home to Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS).

"It's a drone war now," says Paul.

"They fly drone from there," adds Keith. "It's the centre of intelligence for our military. It's always going to be a target, but security is tight."

Paul believes the community has a key part to play in keeping stations such as this safe.

"When the Red Arrows were based at RAF Scampton [before moving to RAF Waddington in 2022], we'd have the phone number for the guardroom and report anything suspicious," he says.

"It's the same here. We'd report anything suspicious."

Jill Stocker, 62, has come to take pictures of the Red Arrows using her new smartphone. The jets are performing take off and landing drills.

She says the station is an integral part of this community, with the work of the men and women on the other side of the gates revered.

Is she worried about living in the shadow of such an important military installation?

"No," she says, pointing her head in the direction of the sprawling base. "They will know first is anything is wrong. They know exactly what's going on."

I venture into the village itself, and to St Michael's, a church rebuilt in the 1950s on the spot where its medieval precursor was destroyed by a German parachute mine on the night of 8/9 May 1941.

Pam John, one of the wardens, and Brian Carlyon, a member of the church, are chatting around a table.

Both tell me village life revolves around RAF Waddington.

You don't have to search hard here for links to the military here, says Pam.

"My husband has been in the military for 26 years and I know security is very tight," she says. "I have all my faith i it. I feel safe here."

She tells me how the military responded after the 2013 murder of Fusilier Lee Rigby, outside Woolwich Barracks in south-east London.

"Within two hours a letter had been pushed through my letterbox on camp telling me to ensure I didn't leave camp alone and to ensure I didn't wear anything that would link me to the military," says Pam.

Next door to the church stands The Three Horseshoes pub, which is known as "Clangers" due to one of St Michael's bells supposedly ending up outside it after the blast of the wartime explosion.

However, this lunchtime I find its landlord, Paul White, in the nearby pub, The Horse and Jockey, where he is meeting a friend.

"There's always a slight concern that something could happen," says Paul, referring to living and working so close to the RAF station.

"But you stay vigilant."

Paul spent 15 years in the Royal Tank Regiment, which he says "probably makes me more vigilant".

He also tells me about a local Facebook group.

"A lot of things go on there, including if someone has spotted anything untoward."

Enjoying a lunchtime pint are newly-engaged Jim Gaughan and Ceri Nelson.

"We live just across from the airfield," says Ceri. "What happened in Fairford did open our eyes."

Jim adds: "You just have to be extra vigilant especially after that Fairford incident.

But Jim says he is "comforted" by the knowledge that well rehearsed drills are in place should a major incident happen here.

"Last week I had an email from the school telling me what its lockdown procedure was. It's good to know threats are being taken seriously."

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