A WARRINGTON based heritage group is keeping the dream alive of a permanent centre dedicated to the memory of the Burtonwood Airfield and the thousands of GI’s once stationed there.
Members of the Burtonwood Association have captured memories of the once bustling base since the last of the aircrews and service personnel left.
But the association lost its ‘home’ in part of a giant warehouse as the new Chapelford Village progressed.
Entertainment complex, Gulliver’s World, offered to provide a regional base for the heritage group, linked to a hotel facility. But this has been rejected by local planners.
Meanwhile Gulliver’s have offered the Burtonwood Association a temporary home within their site alongside the Sankey-St. Helens Canal at Westbrook.
The company has also put in a planning appeal which could force a public inquiry.
Dave Goulden, UK president of the Burtonwood Association and a trustee of RAF Burtonwood Heritage Centre, said: “Gulliver’s World have been very kind to us, allowing use of a temporary building which has saved us from disaster.
“I believe that certain people who opposed the development plans were wrong to miss out on a golden opportunity. They would enhance the attraction of Gulliver’s and also enable us to develop a North-West heritage museum, which would be a marvellous venture, extending to a much wider catchment.”
Planning issues, however, could mean that a permanent ‘home’ is three to four year’s away – even if the present appeal is successful.
The temporary centre, which was officially opened by the Mayor of Warrington Coun Hans Mundry during VJ Day Parade commerations, is open to the public Saturdays and Sundays, from 12.00-4.00pm and weekdays, from 10.30-4.30pm.
