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October 2017 Newsletter
October sees the start of a high level of training activity on Salisbury Plain. The Land Warfare Centre, Warminster, are running courses throughout the month culminating in with a very busy week during which the second largest armoured exercise TEAM SPIRIT comes onto the Plain, together with the Brigade Reconnaissance course final exercise BADGERS STRESS. They will be joined by a Squadron of CVRT from the Royal Tank Regiment, an armoured engineer squadron from 22 Engineer Regiment.
3UK Divisional headquarters is deploying in the west for Oct and Nov and is also running a number of visits throughout Oct. 2 Engineer Regiments are training during the middle of the month on the west and on the east the RTR with challenger 2 and 1 Mercian with Warrior are training. 1 RHA, with AS90, are live firing throughout the month.
The amount of armoured vehicles and heavy wheeled vehicles that will be using the training area during the whole of the month day and night will mean that the public are advised to restrict their recreational activities to the public rights of way and privileged tracks. If moving off them on foot then additional care should be taken to avoid disrupting military training and placing themselves at risk. Motorists are advised that the tank crossings on all major public roads transiting the Plain will be in regular use and that mud sweepers will be operating on the roads if the weather turns wet. Reporting of poor military discipline and potential dangerous training.
Please report all concerns to the Complaints Help Desk on 01980 620819 in the first instance.
MONTHLY FIRING CALENDAR FOR OCTOBER 2017 (Subject to Change)
1. ARTILLERY LIVE FIRING DAYS FROM AREAS 6, 7 AND 8 (East of Chitterne):
Nil
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):
09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 27, 30, 31
4. NON- FIRING DAYS ON LARKHILL/WESTDOWN DANGER AREA:
01 – 08, 28, 29
5. NON- FIRING DAYS ON BULFORD FIXED FIRING RANGES:
01, 07, 08, 21, 22, 28, 29
2
6. LATE FIRING DAYS ON IMBER RANGES, AREAS 1, 2, 3, 4 (East of Warminster)
GOVERNANCE
Members of the public are reminded when on land subject to the Salisbury Plain Military Lands Byelaws 1981 (S.I.1981/1982) under Byelaw 5 it is an offence to fail to comply with the provisions of Byelaw 3. Under section 3(1(d)) no person may “engage in or carry on any trade or business of any kind whatsoever…”
To do so may result in a Warning Off, whereby you will be asked to leave the Training Area or a fine being issued.
In simple terms – this means for example Commercial Dog Walkers are not permitted to conduct their commercial activities on Military lands without prior permission, (meaning a commercial licence issued by the MoD).
This does not affect your right to use public rights of way, but you are reminded that you are expected to have your dog(s) under effective control, as advised by the Countryside Code and must not interfere with military training.
GOVERNANCE
Members of the public are reminded when on land subject to the Salisbury Plain Military Lands Byelaws 1981 (S.I.1981/1982) under Byelaw 5 it is an offence to fail to comply with the provisions of Byelaw 3. Under section 3(1(d)) no person may “engage in or carry on any trade or business of any kind whatsoever…”
To do so may result in a Warning Off, whereby you will be asked to leave the Training Area or a fine being issued.
In simple terms – this means for example Commercial Dog Walkers are not permitted to conduct their commercial activities on Military lands without prior permission, (meaning a commercial licence issued by the MoD). This does not affect your right to use public rights of way, but you are reminded that you are expected to have your dog(s) under effective control, as advised by the Countryside Code and must not interfere with military training.
PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES
3. (1) Without prejudice to the provisions of byelaw 2, no person when on the Military Lands shall except with the prior permission and in accordance with the terms of such permission.
(a) enter on any part of the Military Lands which is enclosed or the entry to which is shown by a notice as being prohibited or restricted, or which is under cultivation or in private occupation;
(b) enter any plantation of trees; This in simple terms means: no persons are permitted to enter fenced areas, military buildings, facilities and compounds where entry is signed posted as prohibited, cultivated lands and woods/plantations.
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 except when the roads are specifically opened. Planned open dates for 2017 are as follows:
Event Open Closed
Remberance Day 0900hrs Sat 11 Nov 17 1300hrs Sat 11 Nov 17
Chrismas 1800hrs Fri 22 Dec 17 0800hrs Wed 27 Dec 17
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?
If any crime is taking place call 999, (or 101) and do not under any circumstances challenge the offenders.
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.
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.
Jim Russell
WO2 (DTSO)
for
Senior Training Safety Officer Salisbury Plain