“We could do with our own Captain Tom”- Lancaster Bomber project £90k short amid COVID-19 outbreak

The coronavirus outbreak has “wreaked havoc” on funding for a Lancaster Bomber project in Lincolnshire, says its chairman.

A full-scale structure of the famous World War Two plane is being built off the A46 and has so far relied on donations and volunteering.

But Ken Sadler, chairman of the Bomber County Gateway Trust, said: “We could do with our own Captain Tom to raise us a whole load of money, as we’re still £90,000 short of where we need to be.

“Recent events have wreaked havoc on funding and availability of resources, so we’re suffering just like anyone else.

“In Lincolnshire everyone loves the aviation heritage and the Lancaster in particular. Clapping and support is often difficult to convert into cash.”

The structure’s podium has been erected, with the plane’s frame yet to be built.

Mr Sadler said the next steps are to paint the podium and build the structure of the plane, which will be made by Timmins Engineering.

Firstly however, Mr Sadler says millions of poppies will be planted around the site in Norton Disney, which will create a red sea underneath the plane.

An artist’s impression of the completed structure (Image courtesy of Bomber County Gateway Trust)

In February, Lincolnshire County Council’s planning committee rejected proposals for an animal waste rendering plant near the project.

Mr Sadler said: “It would’ve spoilt (the view).

“Had that been passed I doubt we would have been able to complete it, because many of the contractors and sponsors wouldn’t have been interested in completing something which would have just looked so overwhelmed.

“It would have been fatal to it, but fortunately the county council have rejected that plan.”

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak and financial uncertainty, Mr Sadler said there was not an expected finish date for the project yet, with £90,000 still needed.

Mr Sadler said: “So far we’ve raised around £150,000 in donations, but we’ve done half a million pounds of the work because of the good will of construction companies.

“(The outbreak) has created a bit of a problem for us, but we press on and keep begging for money and we’ll get there eventually.”

During World War Two, Lincolnshire became known as the “Bomber County” due to being home to more than 100 military airfields.

The famous Number 617 Squadron or “The Dambusters” were also based in the county at RAF Scampton.

To donate to the Lancaster Bomber project, click here or visit the Bomber County Gateway Trust’s website.