THE closure of Manston, Blackpool and Panshanger airfields is a national tragedy.

These airfields are vital strategic defence assets and should not be squandered by short-sighted politicians seeking an easy option to deal with the housing crisis.

The two occasions in the 20th century when Britain stood alone against our enemies on the Continent proved that we must maintain our own independent strategic infrastructure.

Every British airfield and landing ground should be given automatic total protection from development immediately.

Something like a special architectural listing restraining the landowner from reducing the site available for aviation use.

Roger Bell, Lymington.