CAMPAIGNERS have thrown their support behind a shellshocked museum after they were told they were being evicted.

The Wethersfield Airfield Museum has been told it has until June 30 to vacate the site at MDP Wethersfield.

The airfield is home to a Ministry of Defence (MoD) Police Headquarters but was also saw the United States Air Force stationed there in the Second World War.

The museum celebrates this but was told it was being evicted by the MOD due to health and safety concerns and the building being “no longer fit for occupation”.

It comes as the MoD Police prepare to move away from the site.

Proposals have also been submitted by the Ministry of Justice to transform the site into a home for two mega prisons.

Now the Stop Wethersfield Airfield Prisons campaign group has voiced its support fr the museum.

The group’s chairman, Alan MacKenzie said: “The general reaction has been one of shock and disgust when people hear of this.

“I have emailed the Defence Infrastructure Organisation and expressed our surprise and disappointment at such an action after highlighting to them the importance of the museum to community plans for the heritage assets at the site whether or not the Mega Prisons proposal goes ahead.

“We as a group are fully behind the saving of the museum, it is a community asset with supportive volunteers it should retain its place on the site.

“Wethersfield Airfield and the museum has substantial support through, many of which are Americans whose families served or worked at the base.

“I will add that locals are concerned at the destruction which the Ministry of Justice could wreak on the airbase.

“This has been highlighted by Essex County Council in a letter to the MoJ in November which also stated, ‘at present it is unlikely the scheme could be supported from a heritage perspective should it progress to an application.’

“The letter also recommended that the MoJ consults with local heritage groups, including Wethersfield Airfield Museum.

“Well, how are they going to do that?”