ABOVE: The group will be launched at the upcoming Popham Microlight Trade Fair this weekend
A new group – Popham Airfield Matters – has been launched to help protect Popham airfield from the threat of residential redevelopment, with the wider public invited to show their support to ‘help to create a strong representative association of interested parties’.
The pressure group was initially formed from Popham airfield residents, members of the local community, and friends of the airfield and the surrounding chalk downlands. When the airfield was ‘considered for addition to the council’s plan for new house building, which would result in an estate of 3,000 new houses being built on the grass runways and surrounding woodlands and fields, we were driven to take action,’ explains the group.
“Popham is one of the most popular grass roots airfields in the country and provides opportunities for all sorts to participate in flying,” added Brian Lloyd of Popham Airfield Matters, who also highlighted that “Popham provides a community hub for a range of activities from aviation, car shows, charity functions and caravanning”.
Popham Airfield Matters’ aim is ‘to secure the future of Popham Airfield as an active and viable centre for general aviation activities and to ensure its continuing benefit to the wider community and the retention of an environmentally important and fragile site’. After a ‘soft launch’ amongst airfield residents, the group is now recruiting further support.
A lifetime membership of the group costs just £1, with all funds raised going to improve the group’s legal standing and help support its activities.
IMAGE: POPHAM AIRFIELD MATTERS
