WORK to repair water leaks air ventilation system at the historic Battle of Britain Bunker in Uxbridge are nearing completion. 

Hillingdon Council is working with specialist contractors Fullers on the Grade I listed building to weather-proof the 84-year-old war time structure for years to come.

The bunker had begun to suffer from water seeping into the plant rooms following heavy rainfall, due to its location 60 feet below the ground at the end of Wren Avenue.  

Works began in September and involved digging five-metre deep excavations around each ventilation shaft to the roof of the bunker itself.

It involved digging through two ‘burster layers’ of concrete, built to withstand direct impact from 10,000lb enemy bombs. 

The work has been vital to preserve the condition of the various chambers against encroaching damp and also to improve the site overall for the many visitors. 

Cllr Jonathan Bianco, Cabinet Member for Property, Highways and Transport, said: “We’re incredibly lucky to have such a fascinating and unique historical asset in the heart of the borough and are duty-bound to preserve it for future generations.”

The bunker was completed in August 1939, just three weeks before the start of World War Two.

All operations within Fighter Command 11 Group were controlled from this top-secret site.

Restoration works are scheduled for completion by March but do not affect visitors. 

www.battleofbritainbunker.co.uk