The Government's controversial weapons testing site at Shoebury Ranges is in the wrong place, a top minister has admitted in Parliament - although he stressed it will not be moved.
Defence under-secretary Dr Lewis Moonie admitted to MPs during a debate in the House of Commons: "Were I to set out to build a new test and evaluation range, I probably would not build it at the mouth of the Thames."
His comments followed a barrage of snipes from Kent and Essex MPs who claim they are receiving a huge number of complaints about the noise of the MOD weapons testing and evaluation site at Shoebury Ranges and Foulness Island.
However, Dr Moonie added that because the site is vital to national security, there was no option but to continue with its use for the foreseeable future.
More in today's Evening Echo.
Published Monday October 21, 2002
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