The DIO runs a Twitter account for news and updates on the Salisbury Plain Training Area using the Twitter hashtag #modontheplain. This account now has over 6000 followers. If you’d like to follow us go to: www.twitter.com/mod_dio

May 2018 Newsletter
The first week in May is the final week of EXERCISE JOINT WARRIOR for 2 Parachute Regiment and a armoured Dutch Battle Group culminating with a visitors day, Wednesday 2nd May. The remainder of the month sees 6 armoured Company/squadron deploying to both east and west of Salisbury plain ay varying times. There are the usually courses deploying from both Warminster and Larkhill where both Lt Gun and AS90 will be firing. Air activity will be busy. There are a number of air trials taking place on all the DZ throughout the month. May is busy consequently all tank crossing sites on both the A360 and the A345 will be busy.

Please report all concerns to the Complaints Help Desk on 01980 620819 in the first instance.
Related Links – Gov.uk/DIO

Monthly firing calendar for May 2018 (subject to change)
1. Artillery live firing days from areas 6, 7 and 8 (east of Chitterne):
15
2. Artillery live firing days on Salisbury plain (east) (north of Bulford & west of Tidworth):
Nil
3. Late firing days on Larkhill/Westdown danger area (north of Larkhill):
01, 03, 08, 10, 12, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, 31
4. Non-firing days on Larkhill/Westdown danger area:
05, 06, 19, 20, 26, 27
5. Non-firing days on Bulford fixed firing ranges:
05, 06, 07, 19, 20, 26, 27, 28
6. Late firing days on Imber ranges, areas 1, 2, 3, 4 (east of Warminster)
Nil

Byelaw Governance – Antisocial Behaviour
Parish members are encouraged to report all illegal activity on Salisbury to the Wiltshire Police. If serious crime is experienced the 999 should be dialled, and for all other reports including: illegal off-roading, illegal motor biking, drone use, poaching, hare coursing, petty theft, camping on MoD land, kite flying please call 101 and list the call as ‘antisocial behaviour’ and a Byelaw violation. Once reported please inform Range control on the Plainwatch number: 01980 674700 or email PLAINWATCH@landmarc.mod.uk.

Access
Access to SPTA is regulated by Salisbury Plain Military Lands, Bulford, Larkhill and Imber Range Byelaws. Always comply with local signs and flags. Rights of way in Range Danger Areas are closed when red flags are flying.
This Newsletter is published up to 6 weeks before the event and changes may occur. Access timings for the next week can be found on the SPTA Walks Line: (01980) 674763.
Imber Ranges. The public are excluded at all times, except when the roads are specifically opened. Planned opening dates for 2018 are as follows:
Event Open Closed
Summer 1800hrs Fri 17 Aug 18 0800hrs Fri 24 Aug 18
Christmas 1800hrs Thur 27 Dec 18 0800hrs Wed 02 Jan 19
A leaflet on public access to Imber is available online and should be read in advance of any visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/435909/Imber_A5_Leaflet-final_Online_version.pdf
Note. Dates may change if operational training needs dictate.

What Can You Do To Reduce Crime On Salisbury Plain?
There has been an increase of thefts from motor vehicles that have been left unattended on the Training Area. Owners are reminded not to leave valubles in plain sight. If any crime is taking place call 999, (or 101) and do not under any circumstances challenge the offenders.
Health and Safety reminder for ALL Military Training Areas and Ranges:
 Do not touch or tamper with Military debris.
 Wash your hands before you eat.
 Clean your footwear before you enter your car or home.
Ewan R Smith
Major (Training Safety Officer)
for
Senior Training Safety Officer
Salisbury Plain Training Area