War games using replica weapons will not be taking place in a mid-Essex wood.
People power prevailed at a Maldon District Council planning meeting last night when Ultimate Wargames's proposal to launch Airsoft at Thriftwood in Woodham Mortimer, near Maldon, was turned down by members
Airsoft is described by its agent Mike Allsop as an extension of a childhood fantasy when most children either played cowboys and indians, or cops and robbers.
Battery-operated weapons firing 6mm biodegradable plastic ball-bearings would be used by customers.
But more than 70 people wrote letters of objection and disagreed with the image of it being a childhood fantasy and instead thought the plan would be a headache.
Parish councillors, worried about the safety of people wandering through the site along the public footpath, and both Essex Wildlife Trust and the Ramblers Association, expressed strong concerns.
It is anticipated an appeal will be lodged by the applicants.
Published Tuesday August 24, 2004
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