The Staish tried to close Boulmer in a similar manner in the mid 80s. Then the unions got involved.
Sorry, they said, our civvie members have to be supervised and the heating has to be on etc.
But, said Staish, they can have the time off as week and still get paid!!
Can't do that, said unions, not unless all our other members working on RAF stations get the same deal, or get paid extra for having to go to work.
Station stayed open.