16 April 2007
The FLYER Forums have been discussing <a href=’http://forums.flyer.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=30997′ target=’_blank’>the latest threat to Kemble</a> airfield, largely based on the inforamtion in <a href=’http://www.cotswold.gov.uk/nqcontent.cfm?a_id=6617&tt=cotswold’ target=’_blank’>this</a> article from Cotswold District Council website. It was also reported in the local press and on TV.
But the airfield is planning to fight. Here is the text of the press release from Kemble:
“Kemble Airport is to fight a legal battle with Costwold District Council following the issue of enforcement notices to stop some of the activities at the airfield. The aerodrome management are appealing to the GA community for support.
“The airfield, which was officially opened in 1938, has been home to Central Flying School, The Red Arrows and the USAF as well as being used for storage and maintenance. Cotswold District Council are trying to contend that flying activity must be in connection with storage and maintenance.
“The present airfield manager, David Young, has been involved with managing the airfield since 1995 and says there is no immediate threat to operations. He said: ‘It is inconceivable that this near 70 year old airfield could have some flying activity seriously curtailed. Therefore, the onus is on us now to demonstrate that flying at Kemble should in no way be restricted.’
“Kemble was licensed by the CAA in 2001 and two years later the airfield received the <b><i>FLYER</i></b> Magazine airfield of the year award. Last year Kemble gained airport status and owner, Ronan Harvey, is currently funding a £5m investment to develop the facilities. These include seven new GA hangars, which have just been completed, and work has commenced on five others.
“Mr. Harvey said: ‘We would like to appeal to all pilots who have used Kemble, especially in the last ten years, to write to us and send photocopies of log book entries; also to <a href=’http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/save-flying-at-kemble-airfield.html’ target=’_blank’>sign our petition</a>.’ ”
The airfield’s address is Kemble Air Services Ltd., The Control Tower, Kemble Airport, Kemble, Cirencester, GL7 6BA.
That petition is <a href=’http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/save-flying-at-kemble-airfield.html’ target=’_blank’>here</a>.
