RAF base considered as asylum centre has contamination risks, says report

Former RAF Wethersfield in north Essex could have unexploded ordnance, asbestos and other problems, government papers say

A Ministry of Defence site that the Home Office is considering using to accommodate asylum seekers has a range of contamination risks including undetonated explosives, ground contamination and asbestos, according to government documents.

The government is considering using the former RAF Wethersfield in north Essex, a 300-hectare (800-acre) airbase first used during the second world war before being taken over by the US air force during the cold war.