IMPASSIONED petitioners are pleading with developers in Upper Heyford to stop "destroying" the area's history as plans come to light to pull down an iconic water tower.

More than 6,700 people have signed a petition to stop the demolition of the historic tower at Heyford Park, to make way for more homes as part of the former US Air Force base's major redevelopment.

Campaigners, from as far away the United States said the tower holds emotional significance to many former US servicemen and their families who were stationed at the site near Bicester.

Resident since 1969 Sharon Keen said: "It is such an iconic structure which you can see for miles.

"They keep destroying so much of the history of the site and for a lot of people, especially the Americans, it is something that will always remind them of their time up here.

"We feel like developers are destroying so much of the base and what it once was is being lost. Preserving the history is so important for us."

Campaigners say the planning permission has been granted to tear down the structure in Camp Road and build a couple of new homes.

It is part of the major redevelopment ongoing on the land which could eventually see up to 2,600 homes built as well as shops and leisure facilities.

In the 1970s the site was inhabited by 15,000 American servicemen and was the largest airfield in Europe.

The base closed when it was returned to the Ministry of Defence in September 1994 and has since been subject to mass redevelopment.

Recent plans include creating a village square to house glass walkways, an American-style brasserie, GP surgery and convenience store using inter-war RAF buildings.

Many areas have been redeveloped sensitively as a tribute to the sites history including the officers' mess and former USAF sports centre which has been bought back to life within Heyford Park Free school.

Ms Keen added: "We thought the tower was safe and protected from development as it is in a conservation area.

"I remember the tower when it had lights on to make sure aircraft didn't fly into it, they are destroying so much of our history.

"It may not be in use but it is structurally sound and lots of birds of prey do rest on it and there are always lots of bats flying around".

Dorchester Living, lead developers of Heyford Park, said it strives to respect the historic significance of the site and has consulted on the significant buildings of key heritage to be retained.

Spokeswoman Christine Webb said: "The water tower is clearly an emotive issue, especially for former US servicemen who once lived on the base, many of whom have signed the petition.

"On the flip side, it was also a landmark that, during our consultations with local community groups, many were keen to see removed.

"This is because it no longer serves a practical purpose and dominates an otherwise picturesque landscape."

To see the online petition see thepetitionsite.com/619/293/078/save-our-water-tower/