FOR decades, the threat of the Cold War hung over the Western world.

But with the collapse of the Soviet Union 18 years ago came the end of one of the 20th century's most tense political conflicts.

Historian Roger Grimes has now, however, found out more about just what went on behind the Iron Curtain.

Mr Grimes, 66, of Kimberley, has compiled a collection of former Soviet military maps, which for the first time make public details of Soviet Cold War target sites across Nottingham.

The maps act as a ghostly reminder of exactly how well prepared the Soviet military was for war.

Mr Grimes said: "I started researching the Cold War after a former Cold War command headquarters was found beneath RAF Watnall.

"I then found out that a whole host of Russian maps of cities across the UK had been discovered in Latvia after the collapse of the Soviet Union."

He bought the Nottingham maps, which date back to the 1970s, from an American cartographic firm three months ago.

"These maps show the north-east side of Nottingham to tremendous detail," he said.

"I was absolutely fascinated by them. It's the first time that details of this area have been shown."

The maps show landmarks such as Nottingham Castle and highlight a host of other strategic sites across the north of the city.

Soviet targets included Babbington Colliery, Cinderhill, the Rolls-Royce factory in Hucknall, Basford Gas Works and Nottingham Prison.

The Government buildings in Chalfont Drive, Aspley, were also highlighted, as were police stations in Bestwood, Strelley and Hyson Green.

Mr Grimes said even his childhood home in Moor Road, Mapperley, was shown on one of the maps. "At the time, you took no notice of the Cold War and tried to get on with everyday life," he said. "But there was always that thought that the bubble might burst.

"Thankfully it never did."

The maps also contain details not shown on normal Ordnance Survey maps – including the width of the roads, the height of the bridges and the depth of the rivers.

Mr Grimes believes the information would have been used to assess how suitable it was to drive Soviet tanks into the area if war had broken out.

A colour coded key was also drawn up for local targets – industrial sites in black, administrative buildings purple and military installations green.

The exhibition, entitled Uncle Joe Knew Where You Lived, is currently on show at Kimberley Library.

Library service advisor Wendy Corner, who lives in Nuthall, said: "I feel a little bit spooked by it. It's amazing that this was going on and the Soviet forces had gathered all this information without us knowing."

Colleague Wendy Walker, 38, of Maws Lane, Kimberley, said: "I've spotted my house on the maps and think it is quite scary.

"I was surprised they were taken only 30 years ago during the Cold War.

"To think Soviet spy planes had been flying overhead is quite alarming."

She added: "I think exhibitions like this are really important. My generation is so lucky as we have not had to think too much about war and forces invading the UK.

"It brings it all home as to why British soldiers are now fighting out in Afghanistan and Iraq."

Mr Grimes will be at the library, in Main Street, today and on November 23 to talk about and translate the maps.

The exhibition itself will be on show in the library until November 28.

For more information, call the library on 0115 938 2322.

bryan.henesey@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk