FAIRFORD residents spoke today of their anxiety of living under the shadow of war.

People living close to the RAF Fairford say heightened activity at the American base, which has been home to 14 B-52 bombers, has made them worry for their own safety.

And some people say they are worried about thousands of peace protesters descending in Fairford tomorrow for the largest demonstration yet to be seen at the base.

Becky and Justin Davies feel their proximity to the military hub may mean the consequences of a war in Iraq land on their doorstep in the form of terrorist attacks.

Becky, 27, an accounts worker, said: "I am very worried about being so close to the base because we have a little one and I do feel there is a threat.

"I am not really worried about the protesters. I support them in what they are trying to do but war is happening no matter what.

Her husband Justin, 33, a warehouse worker, said: "The base is a prime target because the bombers refuel there. They just have to get onto the runway and blow them up to stop the bombers.

"Also there is a lot of disruption because of the protesters. There are supposed to be 22,000 coming this weekend."

Jason Winter, 29, a barman at the Railway Inn in Fairford, said increased activity at the base had left people thinking a lot about war.

He said: "I think we should have finished it properly last time. There have been a lot of people coming and going through the village including protesters."

Other people did not think terrorists would target Fairford.

Anthony Whiteman, 24, a builder, said: "I shouldn't think we are going to get bombed here and I feel perfectly safe being so close to the base."

Rohies Miah, manager of Curry King Takeaway, lives in Kempsford, also near the RAF base.

He said: "Nobody likes war, it is as simple as that. Everybody is going to be affected but I don't think we will get attacked here even though we are near the base.

"Personally I don't think it is the right thing to do.

"They should have given the UN more time."

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