24 February 2003
Fylingdales - unlawful obstruction and occupation 
 
WOMENWITH HILL WOMEN'S PEACE CAMP(AIGN)
P.O. BOX 105, HARROGATE HG3 2FE

24th February 2003

Council for National Parks,
246, Lavender Hill,
London. SW11 1LJ

Forestry Commission, Yorkshire and the Humber Conservancy,
Wheldrake Lane,
Crockley Hill,
York. YO19 4FF

Ramblers' Association,  2nd floor, Camelford House,
87 - 90, Albert Embankment,
London. SE1 7TW

Re: Fylingdales Ballistic Missile Early Warning Station:
unlawful obstruction of Public Rights of Way:
unauthorised occupation of Forestry Commission land:

We should be very interested to receive the observations of your Officers in connection with the enclosed correspondence with North York Moors National Park Authority, the Defence Estates' Organisation and the replies of the Under Secretary of State for Defence, Dr Lewis Moonie.

For several months we have pursued investigation into, and objected to the fact that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has unlawfully obstructed Public Rights of Way (PROW) and encroached beyond the Base boundary, onto land owned by the Forestry Commission. Dr Moonie now acknowledges that Fylingdales has acquired land from the Forestry Commission. We have learned that it is the intention of the MoD to fell woodland, part of Dalby Forest at Ellerbeck Head (map ref: SE868966) for security reasons. The Secretary of State for Defence, Geoff Hoon, recently assured local people that Fylingdales would require no further intake of land.

We believe that our complaints are relevant to all Defence Lands. For example we have learned that the PROW at RAF Lakenheath has been closed using the powers of the Defence Act 1842. We believe this Act has been repealed by implication because the procedure for closure of rights of way is authorised by the Military Lands Act 1892.

In addition we have objected to the MoD's contravention of Article 8, Human Rights Act 1998, by the practice of maintaining covert closed-circuit TV camera surveillance of the countryside surrounding the Fylingdales and Menwith Hill Bases, thus encroaching on the privacy of citizens to enjoy the rural amenity. A current Planning Application for a further 3 cameras mounted on 8.0m poles at Fylingdales has been submitted to the North York Moors Planning Department.

Our enquiries are still in progress. We await reply from the North York Moors National Park Chief Planning Officer, Mrs Val Dilcock.

We are not satisfied with the response of the Ministry of Defence. We should like to pursue the matter to a satisfactory remedy, but do not have the resources, e.g. to take legal action. We should appreciate your advice on how to proceed.

Yours sincerely,

Anne Lee pp WoMenwith women

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