‘When your signal goes down, something’s going on’: life next to a US air base in the UK

While RAF Lakenheath holds its secrets, neighbours contend with plane spotters, protesters and sonic booms The local people know there is something going on when the internet and phone signal drops dead, they say. If the heavy bombers are flying low, the teachers will pause their school assembly until the thunderous din has passed. The parish council has been briefed on the intricacies of sonic booms. Car insurance is more expensive here as the Americans “can’t drive” and sometimes find thems...

By Daniel Boffey