Salisbury Plain Training Area – Newsletter
August 2017
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 hashtag #modontheplain. This account now has over 4250 followers. If you’d like to follow us go to: www.twitter.com/mod_dio
August 2017 Newsletter
In the first week of August, light role infantry units will be conducting low level dry training across the Plain. The middle two weeks of the month will consist mainly of army cadet force training. Cadets from Somerset ACF, Cornwall ACF and the City of London ACF will be conducting their annual camps on the Plain over this period. Armoured manoeuvre training will start again on 12th August with elements of the 1st Battalion The Scots Guards deploying on the Plain. The last week in August is particular quiet with only 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers on the Plain. The roads into Imber village will be open from 1800 hours on Friday 25 August until 0800 hours on Tuesday 29 August. The public are reminded that access is restricted to the carriageways only and, with the exception of St Giles Church, there is no access to the buildings in Imber village which will be being used by the military for training. It is the responsibility of the public to ensure that their vehicles (including cycles) are properly lit at night and in poor visibility when using the Imber roads, and that the 30 mph speed limit is strictly adhered to.
Reporting of poor military discipline and potential dangerous training.
Please report any concerns you have of poor military discipline or potential dangerous training activity that you have observed on the training area, for example, military personnel stopping civilian vehicles on the public highway to allow a military convoy to cross at a designated tank crossing point. The military must give way to the public and should only cross the highway when it is safe to do so.
Please report all concerns to the Complaints Help Desk on 01980 620819 in the first instance.
MONTHLY FIRING CALENDAR FOR AUGUST 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 Tidworth and Bulford):
Nil
3. LATE FIRING DAYS ON LARKHILL/WESTDOWN DANGER AREA (North of Larkhill):
01, 03, 05, 08,10
4. NON- FIRING DAYS ON LARKHILL/WESTDOWN DANGER AREA (North of Larkhill):
12th Aug – 04th Sept 17
5. NON- FIRING DAYS ON BULFORD RANGES:
12th Aug – 04th Sept 17
6. LATE FIRING DAYS ON IMBER RANGES, AREAS 1, 2, 3, 4 (East of Warminster):
Nil
2
NOTE:
Note: Larkhill Artillery Range Maintenance is fromSat 12th Aug- Mon 04th Sept 17. This may be be subject to change at short notice.
RANGE FIRES
Range Fires become a problem in dry weather and may endanger plantations, buildings and standing crops if there are strong winds, and can cause excessive smoke. On Salisbury Plain the MoD put in a vast amount of fail safes to ensure surrounding communities are safe and do not endure too much nuisance as a result of the military training that is conducted throughout the year. In order to prevent and control range fires occurring the following measures are in force:
• 5 day weather forecast in order to mitigate the future effects of the prevailing weather.
• A grazing programme agreed with local farmers in order to keep the grass short during the summer months.
• Control of firing incendiary ammunitions during extreme dry conditions.
• A fire watch scheme in order to ensure fires are constantly monitored.
Salisbury Plain Training Area Headquarters strives to meet the military needs for realistic training whilst at the same time endeavouring to take into full account public concerns. We will continue to do so.
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
Summer 1800hrs Fri 25 Aug 17 0800hrs Tue 29 Aug 17
Remberance Day 0900hrs Sat 11 Nov 17 1300hrs Sat 11 Nov 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
Larkhill Ranges. The permissive Byway that runs West from C Crossing on the A345 to the South East of Larkhill Racecourse will be sign posted as closed to members of the public from mid July to 23 Oct 17.
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.
The new Rural Crime Partnership for Wiltshire and Swindon (hereafter ‘the Rural Crime Partnership’) has been established by Wiltshire Police in consultation with the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Wiltshire and Swindon to provide governance for, and oversee delivery of, rural crime strategy. It provides coherence, direction and guidance to the delivery and apportionment of rural policing resources across the county in the context of the Community Policing Model. The first meeting was held at Wiltshire Police Headquarters on 18th October 2016, this is seen by Headquarters SPTA as a positive initiative in order to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour on Salisbury Plain.
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