The skies are alive at RAF Shawbury – but aircraft fans told stay away
An air show was taking place in the skies of Shropshire today – but the public were asked to stay away.
The private display at RAF Shawbury marks the 60 Squadron's Centenary and was expected to include a variety of aircraft and display teams.
But in the wake of the Shoreham Air Disaster, which killed 11 people and injured 16 others in August last year, members of the public were asked not to watch near the base.
Both military and civilian police were patrolling public roads and advised they would move people on amid a warning the show would be cancelled or delayed if even small crowds assembled.
Flight safety officer Gary James, in an online post, said: "The event at RAF Shawbury is not a public display and there are no designated public viewing areas.
"Both local civilian and RAF Police will be patrolling the perimeter fence and will move along any person loitering."
Roads around the base on Wem Road in Shawbury have also been designated no-parking areas for the duration of the event, which was due to run from 11.30am to 2.30pm.
Drivers and residents were being prevented from stopping on Heath Road behind the Rapra factory to the south of the airfield or the Acton Reynald Road between the B5063 Wem Rd and the A49.
Mr James added: "In light of events at Shoreham in August, if you deliberately remain in the area of the airfield boundary or on either bordering road, then you accept full responsibility and liability for your safety in the first instance and possible police involvement.
"If a small crowd appears then the flying display will either be delayed or cancelled."
Some residents said they were disappointed at the news that they will not be able to watch the display.
Stephen Davis said: "Lots of money is being spent from the civilian police budget to ensure only a selected few can enjoy the display."
Rules around air shows in public places were changed following the disaster at Shoreham Airport when a vintage jet aircraft crashed during a display.
The aircraft, a Hawker Hunter T7, failed to complete a loop manoeuvre and crashed onto vehicles on the A27 trunk road. The pilot, Andy Hill, survived the crash and was placed in a medically-induced coma.
