'Are we safe?' Villagers worried over arrival of US fighter jets

The news that RAF Marham will host planes capable of carrying nuclear warheads has troubled some residents

- By Matthew Weaver

The genteel west Norfolk village of Marham does not seem to be at the forefront of Britain's military might. On a visit by the Guardian last month, a dance class was about to start in the village hall, a game of crown green bowls was under way and swallows swooped around the medieval church tower as wood pigeons cooed.

"It's a lovely, quiet little village," said Nona Bourne as she watched another end of bowls in a match between Marham and nearby Massingham.

Like many, Bourne is troubled by the news that last week thrust Marham to the frontline of UK's nuclear arsenal, in the biggest expansion of the programme for a generation. Without consultation, RAF Marham is to be equipped with new F-35A jets capable of carrying warheads with three times the explosive power of the bomb dropped on Hiroshima.

Bourne said: "When they spread it all over the news that these planes are going to come here from America with these bombs, it makes you think we're going to be targeted. My bungalow is five minutes from the base."

The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament held a protest in Marham last Saturday. Bourne, whose son-in-law used to work at the base, said: "My daughter says we've always been a target here, but I am concerned. If I was younger I'd think about moving, but I'm 83, I'm not going anywhere."