Post by mailfordjc on Apr 9, 2009 12:07:54 GMT 1
Over the last few years I have been building contacts at Hawarden.
In recent months I have been made aware of concerns within the
airfield of breaches of security, namely trespass.
The Web Site has details of a well publicised stunt by "plane stupid"
when an A380 barge at Hawarden docks was boarded and occupied for
several hours.
I can also confirm that this same group also breached the perimeter
fence more recently. This has deliberately not been reported in order
to starve this group of the publicity they appear to crave.
For this reason I can give no more details.
Even more worryingly North Wales Police have now confirmed several
"incidents" over the last few weeks involving individuals who have
described themselves when challenged as "aviation enthusiasts".
These incidents, I am informed, comprise trespass and obstruction.
Add into the mix the increasingly sensitive nature of some of the work
carried out at Hawarden, and this does not add up to a very happy
picture. In case anyone is unaware of what I mean by this, let me
spell it out:
1. Environmental activists regard (and have confirmed by their
actions) that Hawarden is fair game because of its role in the
construction of commercial aircraft.
2. These same groups are showing an increasing interest in executive
aviation as a target for their actions.
3. There is major military related work beginning on the construction
of wings for USAF tanker aircraft, making the airfield a potential
target for various militant groups.
4. Likewise the airfield is the site for RAF conversion work (vis the
"Astor" program and the B350's).
There is no suggestion whatsoever from the police, or participants, at
Hawarden that the vast majority of enthusiasts are doing no more than
pursuing their legitimate pastime in a responsible way. In addition
there is an acceptance that far from being a problem at the airfield,
the pro-aviation advocacy of enthusiasts is a positive thing.
This makes the actions of the few even more deplorable. If this
continues I can only imagine what the response will be.
North Wales Police have asked me to publicise to enthusiasts who visit
Hawarden if they could be particularly vigilant in the coming
months. The perimeter of the airfield is massive and security staff
are spread very thinly on the ground.
To this end I have been given two telephone numbers (apart from "999",
which is obviously the first point of call in the face of a clear
threat).
First of all there is the anti-terrorist hot line which is publicised
on the Web site. This is 0800 789 321.
The second is a non-urgent direct contact number to North Wales
Police. This number is 0845 607 1002.
Can I ask that anyone visiting Hawarden adds these numbers to their
mobile contacts in the unlikely event something is seen and needs to
be reported.
I would stress that this is a genuine request that enthusiasts help in
securing the airfield from those who threaten it's security, the jobs
of those who work there, and ultimately our freedom to enjoy our
legitimate interest.
If you have the opportunity to publicise this message on any other
suitable groups etc please feel free!
Thanks.
Dave Costello
www.hawardenspotters.info
In recent months I have been made aware of concerns within the
airfield of breaches of security, namely trespass.
The Web Site has details of a well publicised stunt by "plane stupid"
when an A380 barge at Hawarden docks was boarded and occupied for
several hours.
I can also confirm that this same group also breached the perimeter
fence more recently. This has deliberately not been reported in order
to starve this group of the publicity they appear to crave.
For this reason I can give no more details.
Even more worryingly North Wales Police have now confirmed several
"incidents" over the last few weeks involving individuals who have
described themselves when challenged as "aviation enthusiasts".
These incidents, I am informed, comprise trespass and obstruction.
Add into the mix the increasingly sensitive nature of some of the work
carried out at Hawarden, and this does not add up to a very happy
picture. In case anyone is unaware of what I mean by this, let me
spell it out:
1. Environmental activists regard (and have confirmed by their
actions) that Hawarden is fair game because of its role in the
construction of commercial aircraft.
2. These same groups are showing an increasing interest in executive
aviation as a target for their actions.
3. There is major military related work beginning on the construction
of wings for USAF tanker aircraft, making the airfield a potential
target for various militant groups.
4. Likewise the airfield is the site for RAF conversion work (vis the
"Astor" program and the B350's).
There is no suggestion whatsoever from the police, or participants, at
Hawarden that the vast majority of enthusiasts are doing no more than
pursuing their legitimate pastime in a responsible way. In addition
there is an acceptance that far from being a problem at the airfield,
the pro-aviation advocacy of enthusiasts is a positive thing.
This makes the actions of the few even more deplorable. If this
continues I can only imagine what the response will be.
North Wales Police have asked me to publicise to enthusiasts who visit
Hawarden if they could be particularly vigilant in the coming
months. The perimeter of the airfield is massive and security staff
are spread very thinly on the ground.
To this end I have been given two telephone numbers (apart from "999",
which is obviously the first point of call in the face of a clear
threat).
First of all there is the anti-terrorist hot line which is publicised
on the Web site. This is 0800 789 321.
The second is a non-urgent direct contact number to North Wales
Police. This number is 0845 607 1002.
Can I ask that anyone visiting Hawarden adds these numbers to their
mobile contacts in the unlikely event something is seen and needs to
be reported.
I would stress that this is a genuine request that enthusiasts help in
securing the airfield from those who threaten it's security, the jobs
of those who work there, and ultimately our freedom to enjoy our
legitimate interest.
If you have the opportunity to publicise this message on any other
suitable groups etc please feel free!
Thanks.
Dave Costello
www.hawardenspotters.info
