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Residents living on the grounds of a former air base have expressed concerns about potential radioactive contamination beneath their homes and have called for a further land survey. Although a previous investigation detected traces of radiation in only two locations and concluded that levels were “not considered sufficient to pose a significant radiation hazard,” the report suggested additional examination might be necessary if land use changes in the future. With thousands of new homes being built nearby, some residents feel that another survey is warranted, a view supported in part by health officials who have acknowledged there is “justification” for renewed inquiry.
The area in question, Tollerton Park, occupies part of what used to be an RAF airfield where, after World War II, over 1,200 aircraft—including Lancaster bombers—were dismantled, incinerated, and buried. The site was also used to dispose of radium-226-containing luminous dials, a source of radioactive material. In 2008, a council investigation was launched following reports that four residents had developed leukemia. The report acknowledged the existence of possible residual radium contamination but found no strong evidence linking this to the leukemia cases. It also highlighted that both uncertainties from the study and public concern remained high.
Residents such as Jill and Billy Gaff, who purchased a mobile home on the site in July 2024, have voiced frustration and anxiety over the situation. Jill described feeling “shocked, stunned and angry” after reading the 2008 report and said the uncertainty has left them uneasy about their health and safety. She indicated that she stopped gardening due to fears of contamination and said, “We just want answers. We want to live a peaceful life. We came here to retire, not to fight the council.” Another resident, Ian Martin, who moved there in 2018, was unaware of the earlier survey until campaigners informed him last year. Ian expressed concerns about radiation possibly remaining in the soil, pointing out that parts of the park have been dug up multiple times for new gas tanks and pipework and that he has ceased consuming produce from his greenhouse out of caution.
The 2008 review involved a site walkover and found low-level radiation only at two points: a former parking area and just outside the property boundary. The report asserted that these contamination levels “are not considered sufficient to pose a significant radiation hazard to mobile home residents.” The Ministry of Defence’s Environmental Advisor agreed, stating no appreciable radiation dose was detected at the surface, though recommending further investigation should the land undergo excavation. Following a reassessment prompted by new construction in the area, the council communicated with residents, reassuring them that prior findings remained valid. However, in January, the UK Health Security Agency advised that the recent developments provide a “suitable justification” for another radiation survey to ensure any impacts are properly understood and health risks remain low. While the council has requested the landowners to carry out this survey, it lacks the authority to enforce compliance.
Local campaigners worry about contamination risks on the wider former airfield, where plans for thousands of additional homes could proceed. The council has stated that if these developments receive planning permission, it will require further contamination investigations to be carried out. James Naish, the Labour MP for Rushcliffe, has spoken out, welcoming the recognition of residents’ concerns and urging the council to intervene if the landowners do not voluntarily commission the survey. He estimates such a survey would cost no more than £20,000. Nevertheless, residents remain apprehensive
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