Talks have been launched to try to ease the misery of people living within earshot of the Shoebury Ranges.

Maldon's MP John Whittingdale has met with Dr Lewis Moonie MP, defence minister, to discuss the continuing disturbances caused by explosions at Foulness.

Bernard Jenkin, MP for North Essex, and Roger Gale, MP for North Thanet, were also at the meeting along with officials from Qinetiq and the Ministry of Defence.

Mr Whittingdale said the disturbances had gone on for too long for people living along the Essex coast.

He added: "Of course, we understand the need for the Ministry of Defence to test ordnance and to dispose of unwanted munitions, particularly at this time.

"However, the noise and disturbance that this causes has been making the lives of many people a misery for far too long."

Chris Moseley, spokesman for Qinetiq, said it worked hard to make sure residents were kept informed of what was happening on the ranges and always operated within strict legal guidelines on noise levels.

Published Monday, April 7 , 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Echo