LOOP News

13 MAR 08: LEE-ON-SOLENT GETS MORE LOCAL HELP

WE are all used to hearing stories about regional airfi elds getting stick from local residents – but under fire Lee-on-Solent is finding they are proving to be some of their most staunch supporters as is battles to stay open to GA.

The airfield, which is still under threat of closure to GA traffic despite a court order to prevent its closure by the managing police authorities, held a special Aviation Day in the local village last month, and was swamped by locals keen to see the ex-military site keep on working.

The airfield, which was formerly called HMS Daedalus due to its service history, is currently managed by the local police authority – and they want to shut the field to general civilian aviation to save money. A court review of the decision extended Lee’s life for GA fliers.

Volunteers at the airfield have said they are happy to take on management of the site, which would allow the police to walk away.

The Aviation Day was held in the heart of the local village, and drew visits from hundreds of locals and dignitaries, including the Mayor of Gosport, and local politicians.

Events and entertainment on the day was provided by local groups which included Hampshire Air Ambulance, Phoenix Aviation, Deltair Airmotive, the Tigers Children’s motorcycle Display Team, The Lee Bees Model Aircraft Club, the Royal Naval Model Aircraft Association, Atlas Helicopters, Solent Microlights, The United Kingdom Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and Gosport Aviation Society.
A microlight was on display, as were an array of motorcycles from the Tigers Children’s motorcycle Display Team.

South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) had a display showing some of the development concepts up for feedback from local residents – with lots of positives.
W: www.eghf.co.uk

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LOOP News

13 MAR 08: LEE-ON-SOLENT GETS MORE LOCAL HELP