Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Unexploded tank shells found during Plain walk
TWO unexploded shells were discovered by walkers on Salisbury Plain, sparking a fresh warning to drivers of off-roaders to stay clear of the Plain.
The tank shells were found on the west side of the Ministry of Defence’s training area of the plain this month.
They were reported to the MoD, which has since removed them.
But the body has also used pictures of the two shells to warn people who drive 4x4s and motorcycles illegally on the plain.
It states members of the public can use the plain, but they must stick to vehicle tracks and footpaths.
A spokesman said: “We are aware of shells found in the west of Salisbury Plain Training Area, which were reported to us by a member of the public.
“This illustrates why it is essential that anyone using the defence training estate obeys the byelaws and stays on the public rights of way.”
The MoD runs Operation Aston, which targets illegal off-roaders on the plain. Using newly-branded vehicles, a team patrols the area with camera equipment to assist with criminal prosecutions.
Lt Col Stewart Andrews, senior training safety officer at the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, said: “We hope the vehicles, and this new equipment [cameras], will make people realise that we take illegal activity very seriously.”
He added: “The majority of people using Salisbury Plain for recreational and leisure activities do so legally, it’s the minority that access it illegally that really need to be stopped – they’re damaging the fragile environment and could disrupt military training.
“They’re also putting their lives, and those of others, at risk.”
Anyone spotting suspected unexploded ordnance on Salisbury Plain should not touch it but report it to PLAINWATCH on 01980 674700.”
They’re also putting
their lives, and those of others,
at risk