A PIECE of Second World War history which has been conserved is set to be a centre piece of the Omega development.

The massive logistics site has been built on the site of the former Burtonwood Airfield, the largest of its kind in Europe in the Second World War.

As work was going on to develop the land, a Picket-Hamilton Fort was discovered – one of only 48 remaining in the UK.

A planning application has now been submitted to put up an art board to explain the history and showcase the revamped fort.

The fort has been excavated and relocated and will now be open as a public exhibit in the area.

The information said: “The small Picket-Hamilton fort was originally based on the runway, close to junction eight of the M62.

“They were commonly used on airfields during the Second World War as they were vulnerable to attack by airborne troops.

“Many conventional defences, such as pillboxes and trenches, were dangerous for manoeuvring aircraft on site, so engineer, Francis Pickett and Architect, Donald Hamilton designed the fort in 1940.

“When not in use, the fort lies flush at ground level, hidden from view and preventing danger to local airfield pilots and crew.”

More than 70,000 service personnel served at Burtonwood during its 54 years before it closed in the 1990s, including more than 18,500 Americans.

During the Second World War the site produced, repaired and maintained thousands of bomber and fighter aircraft for the US and British forces, earning its nickname of Lancashire’s Detroit.

  •  See the plans in detail at warrington.gov.uk.