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US Air Force base's 'golf ball' to be dismantled

Pete CooperBBC News, Northamptonshire
News imageBBC An picture from the air of a large golf ball like structure located on top of a single storey building. About four satellites are dotted around it. There is also a large two-storey building next to it. It is surrounded by fields.BBC
The golf ball structure at RAF Croughton has already been decommissioned

Work to dismantle and remove a distinctive golf ball structure at a US Air Force base is due to begin.

The building, used to house communication equipment at RAF Croughton in Northamptonshire, has already been decommissioned.

The base said there were no plans to replace it and, according to a letter to residents of nearby villages, the work was expected to last until December.

It follows safety work around the base last year after motorcyclist Harry Dunn was killed by a US citizen driving on the wrong side of the road.

News imageA maroon sign for RAF Croughton with white writing. It is supported by two brick pillars and brick wall. A "give way" sign is to the side
The base is located outside the village of Croughton near Northamptonshire's border with Oxfordshire

Anne Sacoolas was given a suspended sentence in 2022 after pleading guilty to causing death by careless driving.

The base is currently a United States Air Force communications station and headquarters of the 422d Air Base Group.

In the letter, Abigail Jeffs from the base said residents of villages in the area "may notice some increased noise levels and a slight rise in traffic".

It said the base would do its best to minimise any disruption.

It added the majority of the contractors would use the main entrance on the B4031 but some large vehicles, such as cranes, would use the emergency exit on the A43.

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