It does not seem that long ago since its sad demise or closure, in 1992. There is so much surplus military land out there, they all have slowly become natural wildlife reserves, care of mother nature.
What I cannot fathom is why it has taken so long for the MoD to decide whether or not to keep or sell the 1,200 acre site. I would love to see the site left in its natural state of decay to become a wildlife reserve, leaving the remaining buildings to stand as a memory to our Cold War past. There is not much of our natural landscape left. Every time I go past the Dump it triggers a flood of memories. Don't be fooled though, the Dump is still being patrolled by white security jeeps. I have also observed black unmarked helicopters flying over and landing in the derelict Dump. I have even filmed them at night time. They fly very low down and seem to be searching for something. This activity started last summer. I wonder if anybody else has observed these unmarked helicopters near to the old Dump? I cannot see any pilots in them as they fly at an angle so as not to see them, or they have tinted windows.
I recently contacted the MoD Defence Estates concerning these elusive helicopters, but they flatly deny all knowledge of them. Somebody owns these helicopters, they do not fly out of thin air. Sometimes I've seen two of them fly together along the coast. Only military helicopters fly at night. It seems the mystery of the Dump deepens.
If the RNAD base closed in 1992, why so much security and fuss over this derelict site and the increase in helicopter flights over the last few months? I've seen more activity recently than when the Dump was fully operational. I have heard stories of the SAS using the old Dump a few years ago, I was told this by the MoD. Perhaps they still use it secretly.
I am not aware of any agreement to sell the Dump since the last article published in the
I would look forward to hear of anyone's views or observations of this derelict RNAD facility through the editor, address can be supplied.
MR G GRUNDILL
Workington
Return to FS SecConMysterious Activity Surrounds 'Closed' UK MoD Base
SIR - I have heard and read about much controversy concerning the ex-RNAD NATO base at Broughton Moor. My own interest in what is known locally as the Dump spans back quite a number of years. I know of a few people who used to work there as labourers.[Original headline: MYSTERIOUS GOINGS ON]
. Perhaps the public are being hoodwinked concerning the sale of the Dump or there is a conspiracy to scupper the sale, or to hide activity there. Who knows! Only the MoD can supply us with answers.
The West Cumberland Times & Star, Workington / England - April 6 2001
