Public causing 'disruption' to Army training - MoD

Some areas of the MoD estate on Strensall Common are accessible to the public

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has issued a warning to visitors to a village near York after "numerous disruptions" to military exercises in the area.

Part of Strensall Common is owned by the MoD and used as a firing range and training area, although there is public access at certain times.

Timings of live firing exercises are posted on notice boards and information panels around the common.

Lt Col Mark Jenkins said it was a "key time" to remind the public of "the potential risks when accessing the common at Strensall" following the Army's move to warfighting readiness in the recent Strategic Defence Review.

He added: "The military train 24/7 so they are ready to deploy on operations, and disrupting this critical training has a real impact on their preparations and their ability to do their jobs effectively."

Army personnel can close the permissive car parks and secure gates and access points to the common land, but the public can access the site from numerous points and paths.

Timings of live firing are placed on notice boards around the car parks and information panels near the common

Lt Col Jenkins added that people should "remain mindful of the fact that military training could be taking place".

"If we all work together to use these spaces with respect and consideration, the public will stay safe, and our armed forces will be able to carry out their important training exercises," he said.

As part of its Respect the Range campaign, the MoD is also raising awareness about the risk of wildfires, especially during the summer months.

A spokesperson from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said it was working closely with the MoD to "ensure the safety and wellbeing of both serving personnel and members of the public".

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