Plea to save the Vulcan

CAMPAIGNERS say public pledges are needed to save a hero of the Cold War — or the Chadderton-built Vulcan bomber will have flown its final flight.

In 2007, Vulcan XH558 triumphantly took to the skies for the first time in 15 years following a £7 million restoration and became the star of airshows, wowing 1.5 million spectators throughout the UK.

But only the further generosity of aircraft enthusiasts or major private or corporate sponsorship can now save the “Vulcan to the Sky” project from 11th hour failure.

With sufficient funds to complete a full display programme in 2009, the project could finally attain a secure financial footing and delight millions more people for years to come.

But without the £1 million urgently needed to kickstart that programme, those who generously helped pay for the restoration, and the team that worked tirelessly to achieve it, will be denied their just reward.

Supporters say there are other major justifications, as the Vulcan is one of Britain’s great feats of engineering and could serve to encourage today’s students to take up careers in the aerospace industry.

The aircraft is also the focus of an outreach educational programme that helps teach younger generations about the Cold War, in which the Avro Vulcans played a central and successful role.

All 136 Vulcan bombers were built at the former Avro aircraft factory in Chadderton, which later became BAE Systems.

Pledges can be made by logging on to www.vulcantothesky.com or calling 0116-2478145.

People can sign a related petition calling for funding for the Vulcan on petitions.number10.gov.uk/vulcan-XH558.

Supporters say if 15,000 people pledged £4 a month for a year, with Gift Aid, the target would be met. The pledges will only be called upon when the team is confident the full target will be met.