Hundreds take a Cold War tour of the Decontamination Suite near Greenham Control Tower

Hundreds visited Greenham Common at the weekend to see a rare piece of Cold War history.

Volunteers and staff from Greenham Control Tower opened the Decontamination Suite to members of the public.

The suite is part of Building 274 and is one of the last remaining Cold War-era structures left at the former RAF/USAF air base.

Despite the hot weather, more than 600 people visited the site across both days.

Guides were on hand to explain the building’s purpose and the history of this turbulent period.

An ex-USAF serviceman, dressed in his original uniform, added a touch of authenticity by speaking about his personal experiences of serving at Greenham.

Visitors entered the thick steel entrance doors and passed through a series of rooms where the base commander and his staff would have been processed to remove chemical and biological substances.

The building has been left empty and sealed for more than 30 years and has only been opened on a handful of occasions.

The plant room, which would have supplied oxygen to the building, and the original control panel are still in place.

“We had many people from outside West Berkshire, as well as locals visiting,” said Greenham Control Tower ambassador Ceinwen Lally.

“For me, the 1980s are part of my memories, but for many who came along, it’s history.

“There was a lot of interest and many visitors crossed the common to find out more at Greenham Control Tower.”

Greenham Control Tower was given permission by Greenham Trust to open the building as part of Heritage Open Days, a scheme organised by the National Trust to open buildings which are not normally accessible to the public.

Please visit www.greenhamtower.org.uk to volunteer or find out more about Greenham Control Tower.