KERNOW/CORNWALL - MILITARY EXERCISE CONCERNS

Rapport publié le 21/02/09 7:09 dans Environnement par Cathal Ó Luain pour Cathal Ó Luain

RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall is Europe's largest helicopter base.

Concerns about a recent military exercise in Cornwall have prompted the Celtic League Secretary General to ask Cornwall County Council a series of questions - see below:

«David Whalley Cornwall County Council Leader

Dear Mr David Whalley

Royal Marines on training exercise in Cornwall

In early February 2009 it was reported to the Celtic League that the Royal Marines were engaged in training exercises/manoeuvres along coastal areas in various parts of Cornwall.

The Celtic League is aware that some of the training took place in and around Mevagissy and also in West Penwith. What is of particular concern to us is that the training exercises/manoeuvres don't seem to have taken place on Ministry of Defence (MoD) designated land and that their presence also appears to have disrupted the lives of residents. We have been informed that there were also low flying aircraft in these areas and that military lorries were even blocking some roads.

We would therefore like to know:

1) Did the MoD request permission from Cornwall County Council (CCC) to use the land for training purposes?
2) Is there a pre arranged agreement between the MoD and the CCC to use public land for such purposes?
3) Did the CCC know about the planned training exercise?
4) Were the training exercises/manoeuvres in and around the Mevagissy and West Penwith areas related?
5) Were the public informed by the CCC about the MoD exercise before hand?
6) What public safety measures were in place during the exercise?
7) Were public rights of way affected before, during or after the training exercise?
8) We are aware that the Royal Marines will return to Cornwall in August 2009 for more training / manoeuvres and we would therefore like to know if this will become a regular occurrence?

Many thanks in advance for your cooperation and we look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely

Rhisiart Tal-e-bot General Secretary Celtic League»