Hemswell Cliff receives funding for improvements after RAF base closure left village ‘devastated’

A village which was “utterly devastated” when the RAF base closed has won funding for the final step in its recovery.

Hemswell Cliff was classified as a vulnerable community after the Ministry of Defence sold the former base in the mid-1980s, lacking the necessary facilities and having high levels of deprivation.

Local leaders have spent the last decade securing cash for improvements from West Lindsey District Council and other sources.

A final payment of £95,000 was agreed on Monday for new footpaths, floodlights and disability-friendly drop kerbs.

The Hemswell Cliff community was praised for their dedication at a committee meeting on Tuesday (March 19).

Councillor Graham Prestwood, who has led the effort as chair of the parish council, said: “We have spent years trying to create a ‘normal village’ – what the MOD left us was nothing like that.

“This proposal is the final step in achieving that vision.

“The footpath network is inadequate – an outdated remnant which is unacceptable today.

“I hope that one day people won’t need to refer to Hemswell Cliff as an ex-MOD site. It will be a thriving normal village and fantastic place to live.”

Councillor Roger Patterson (Con) said: “I remember the base closing, and the utter devastation and sheer nonsense for the community.

“They have worked tirelessly and are a shining example of what forward-thinking communities can achieve.”

Referring to the former RAF Scampton base in his own ward, he added: “Hopefully my community will be like this eventually.”

Leader Councillor Trevor Young (Lib Dem) said: “What a transformation. It’s all down to the hard work of the parish council and community cohesion.”

The funding will provide lighting for the ballpark, 15 drop kerbs, an outdoor gym and a network of paths and ramps across the green spaces.

The former Sergeant’s Mess has previously found new life as a Broadcast Engineering Museum after standing vacant for 12 years, attracting anti-social behaviour.

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