A CAMPAIGN against the planned route for repatriations of fallen soldiers from RAF Brize Norton is gathering pace.

The route endorsed this month would see corteges leave the base via the east gate rather than the main gate, then skirt the edge of Carterton en route to the A40 and Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital.

A number of ex-servicemen want to see the corteges pass through the centre of Carterton, so people can pay their respects in the same way as residents of Wootton Bassett’s, close to RAF Lyneham, the base currently used for repatriations.

Almost 600 people have signed up to a Facebook campaign called Respect for Heroes, set up in protest against the chosen route.

They want the Ministry of Defence and Oxfordshire County Council to reverse the decision.

However another Facebook campaign called ‘No matter what route, respect will be paid’, had more than 100 members last night. The group was set up “for people who are fed up with the disrespectful arguing over the new route for repatriations”.

Repatriation flights will move to Brize Norton in September, when RAF Lyneham is due to close.

Carterton resident Harry Watts, 60, who served in the RAF for 24 years, said the decision was “disgusting”. He added: “It’s appalling to see our fallen troops offered an exit out of the back door of Brize Norton, as if we’re ashamed.

“If our troops are good enough to go through the main gate while they were alive, then they are good enough to leave by the front gate, with all the honour and respect society can give them.

“There needs to be a campaign to get this ridiculous decision changed.”

“Have our politicians forgotten that these troops are the pride of our nation, giving the ultimate sacrifice?”

Defence officials say the east gate is the closest to a new repatriation centre being prepared at the air base, while the county council feared traffic problems if a route through Carterton was used because repatriations usually take place on a Thursday, the town’s market day. A memorial garden will instead be built in Norton Way for people to gather and pay their respects.

Terry Cox, 59, chairman of Headington Royal British Legion, said: “I think it’s disgraceful and shows a complete lack of respect for their memories. They are effectively being smuggled out of the side entrance.”

Prime Minister David Cameron, whose Witney constituency includes Carterton and RAF Brize Norton, last night declined to comment.

County council deputy leader David Robertson said: “We hope that all local people and organisations will now be able to put differences of opinion behind them and unite behind the plan of action so that Oxfordshire can bring the same atmosphere of reverance and solemnity to these occasions that people in Wootton Bassett have achieved. We will keep a very close eye on how things go when repatriations move to RAF Brize Norton and will respond if any difficulties arise.”