Broadcasters and veterans try to stop home of ex-Dambusters HQ becoming refugee detention centre

A host of historians, broadcasters and high-ranking RAF veterans have joined forces in the battle against a 'very alarming' plan to turn the Dambusters' former HQ into a refugee detention centre. The 44 who have signed the letter include historians Sir Antony Beevor, Sir Max Hastings, Dan Snow and Tracy Borman, broadcaster Jonathan Dimbleby, Falklands veteran Air Marshal Graeme 'Black' Robertson, First Gulf War veteran Air Marshal Cliff Spink, and comedian Al Murray, who presents a popular podcast about the Second World War. Pictured: 617 Squadron led by 24-year old Wing Commander Guy Gibson The 800-acre site in Lincolnshire had been earmarked by the council for a £300million regeneration project, which would make it a centre of aerospace technology and create 1,000 jobs as well as, the letter says, having the aim of 'honouring the incredibly rich heritage of Scampton'. Pictured: The commemorative flight of a Lancaster Bomber, carrying members of the original 617 squadron from Biggin Hill to Lincolnshire in 1967 to mark the anniversary of the Dambusters raid Comedian Al Murray, best known for his pub landlord character, described the plans as 'bizarre' Comedian Al Murray, best known for his pub landlord character, yesterday said: 'Losing the redevelopment plan in place strikes me as bizarre.'