Red Arrows to remain at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire

The Red Arrows will remain at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire until at least the end of the decade

The Red Arrows are to remain at their base at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire, it has been confirmed.

The government said it had reversed its plan to move the air display team to RAF Waddington in 2014.

In 2008, the Labour government said the base near Lincoln would be downsized. The decision was put on hold, but was reconsidered last year.

Armed Forces minister Nick Harvey said the team would stay at the base until at least the end of the decade.

'Red Arrows treasured'

He said in a statement to the House of Commons that the move was no longer cost effective.

Mr Harvey added that the RAF's Air Surveillance and Control System (ASACS), which was also going to be relocated from the base, was also now not moving.

The review concluded that keeping the Red Arrows at RAF Scampton was the best way for them to operate, without affecting other operational flying bases.

Work will now begin on resurfacing the runway later this year.

Edward Leigh, MP for Gainsborough, said it was a "vindication of our long campaign and a credit to all those who have worked so hard" to keep RAF Scampton open.

"The Red Arrows are a treasured part of North Lincolnshire," he said.

"The MoD's investment in RAF Scampton's runway demonstrates a welcome commitment to the future of the base."

Mr Leigh, who has campaigned for the Lincolnshire base since the 2008 proposals, added that it was "fantastic" that the jobs associated with the two RAF units would remain in the county.