Sir, We would like to clarify some points contained in the letter from Mr. Calver as printed in the Observer on January 20. The MOD's application is, in theory, as Mr. Calver stated, namely to move 20 day-time firings to after dark, finishing by 11 pm. However, what Mr. Calver's letter did not include was the full text of the application that goes on to state, 'unless operational needs dictate a change of these times and the amount of firing that will take place'. This clause is very often used already by the MoD, to cover the various activities at the base that occur at times outside of those advertised. When enquiries are made as to the time limits for these activities, we are advised by the MoD that they are acting 'within their bylaws of dawn to dusk'. Major Warburton stated publicly at the meeting on January 5 that, if needed, firing may well take place later than 11 pm and/or may have to take place on extra nights. Similarly, when questioned about the 20 days vacated by firing, Major Warburton stated that he 'could not exclude these training slots being used for other activities, including low-flying exercises'! If this application were to be approved, the MoD, who presently operate from dawn to dusk, will be in a position to carry on 24 hours a day. There are no guarantees that the amount of firing will not increase, and there are no guarantees that other intrusive operations will not increase either. In short, there is every chance that the price to be paid by the local community on behalf of the rest of the UK will be larger rather than smaller. And all of this when there is another suitable UK site that can already accommodate night firing, but apparently the price for the MoD - as opposed to the one to be paid by this community - is too high.
Mr. and Mrs. G. Armstrong, Manorbier.