Flying club urges dog-walkers to avoid airfield

Brian Stafford, secretary and director of North Coates Flying Club which was formed in 1995, said that an ‘increasing number’ of people had been walking dogs on the former RAF airfield - and even walking on the runway - while it is closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Mr Stafford explained: “Although the airfield is inactive during the current Covid-19 crisis it remains open for emergency flights.

“These include the Lincs & Notts Ambucopter, HM Coastguard helicopter, and military helicopter diversions and training exercises.”

He continued: “[Walking on the airfield] is not a good idea from a safety point of view, both for the people concerned, the animal, and the crew of any helicopter or aircraft finding themselves needing an emergency runway.

“There are plenty of ‘private property’ notices around the airfield which people choose to ignore.

“It is illegal to access any airfield without permission, and is governed in law by the Air Navigation Order which can carry a hefty fine.”

• Visit https://northcoatesflyingclub.com for further information and contact details.