Salisbury Plain Training Area Newsletter – January 2016

Salisbury Plain Training Area Newsletter
January 2016

www.gov.uk/government/publications/salisbury-plain-training-area-spta-newsletter
This Newsletter can be found at the above link


The DIO runs a Twitter account for news and updates on the Salisbury Plain Training Area using the Twitter handle #modontheplain. This account now has over 2600 followers. If you’d like to follow us go to: www.twitter.com/mod dio
January 2016 Newsletter
The new Training Year will start on a very quiet note for the first two weeks with a  Challenger 2 armoured squadron conducting low level collective training in the Centre and an armoured infantry company in the East from 11 January onwards .

A light gun artillery regiment will rotate its batteries through live firing and dry manoeuvre training during the month together with an armoured engineer squadron conducting bridging and watermanship training.

Starting on 24 January to 10 February 2016 the Field Training Unit will run a Army Weapons Effect Simulation Exercise WESSEX STORM for 2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment in the light protective mobility infantry role which will use extensive areas across the Plain. This exercise will involve the use of Foxhound and Husky wheeled armoured vehicles and will be supported by elements of a light cavalry sqaudron in CVRT. They will be joined by a foreign force infantry company.

The public should be aware that tank crossings over the A360, A345, A338, B390, and the C22 (Tilshead to Chitterne) roads will be very busy and if conditions are wet mud clearance parties will be working on the crossings.

Notice is also given that the training areas in the Copehill Down and Bourne Valley (SPTA East) areas will be heavily used over this period and that recreational use of the Salisbury Plain military lands is to be restricted to public rights of way only as per the byelaws.

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Related Links
Gov.uk/DIO
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

Information about low flying is available from the MOD Low Flying Advisory Service (0845 600 7580) or on line at www.gov.uk/low-flying-in-your-area .

Artillery Live Firing Days from Areas 6, 7 and 8: Nil
Artillery Live Firing days on Salisbury Plain (East) NIL

Late firing on Larkhill/Westdown Danger Area: 05th, 07th, 13th,14th,16th,19th, 21st,26th, 28th and 30th January 2016
AS90 Firing from Tilshead, Chitterne, Shrewton triangle: 26th and 27th January 2016
Non-firing days on Larkhill/Westdown Danger Area: 01st, 02nd, 03rd, 09th, 10th, 23rd and 24th January 2016
Non firing days on Bulford Ranges: 01st, 02nd, 03rd, 09th, 10th, 16th, 17th, 30th and 31st January 2016

Note:
Complaints/Enquiries should be made to 01980 620819.
NOISE MANAGEMENT
General.

The MoD takes all complaints very seriously and do much to mitigate where possible. Most complaints from members of the public from around Salisbury Plain Training Area are concerning impulse noise generated from the detonation of the 155mm High Explosive shell, and gun noise from the AS90 artillery weapon system.

Noise Limits. All ranges have been directed to ensure that no impulse noise greater than 130dB is heard outside the range boundary in populated areas or on main routes.

Noise Prediction. Gunfire noise is predicted using the Gunfire Noise Analysis Tool (GNAT) and traces from the Met Office Noise Evaluation Tool (MONET) at Larkhill Met Office.

Noise Measurement. Range Operations monitors noise from both the guns and the impact area using fixed microphones linked to the Gunfire Noise Assessment Tool (GNAT) computer in Westdown Camp and staff may deploy with hand-held noise monitors.

Countering Excessive Noise. In the event that the 130dB limit could be exceeded, Range Operations have a number of control measures that can be activated to ensure the requirement is adhered to; including stopping firing.

Upcoming Major Exercises.

During exercises access may be restricted on Larkhill Ranges and in the Chitterne – Shrewton – Tilshead Triangle north of the B390.

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) 67 4763.
Imber Ranges. The public are excluded except when the roads are specifically opened. Planned open dates for 2015/2016 are as follows:

Event Open Closed
Christmas 1800hrs Fri 11 Dec 15 0800hrs Mon 4 Jan 16
Easter 1800hrs Thur 24 Mar 16 0800hrs Tue 29 Mar 16
Summer 1800hrs Fri 12 Aug 16 0800hrs Mon 5 Sep 16
1. Even when roads are open the village and buildings remain out of bounds to the public.
2. Dates may change if operational training needs dictate.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO REDUCE CRIME ON SALISBURY PLAIN?
If any crime is taking place call 999, (or 110) and do not under any circumstances challenge the offenders.
Report suspicious activity to PLAINWATCH (01980 674700) or PLAINWATCH@landmarc.mod.uk. The more information received the better, e.g. time, place, vehicle registration, description of individuals and vehicles.

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.

Mike Hetherington
WO2 (CSM) for Senior Training Safety Officer Salisbury Plain