Project restores order on Army ranges 12.01.11
8Problems of vandalism and nuisance motorcyclists at Army training ranges in Essex have been wiped out thanks to a community partnership. A collection of organisations - comprising Colchester Garrison, Defence Training Estate East, range staff from Landmarc Support Services, Essex County Council, Colchester Borough Council, Colchester Borough Homes, Essex Police, Royal Military Police, and Ministry of Defence Police - was formed into the Middlewick Stakeholders Group to tackle the problem. They came together in 2009 after a spate of vandalism at the firing range in Colchester led to costly repairs and damage to facilities needed by troops. People living nearby also complained of a noise nuisance from motorbikes trespassing onto the site. The firing ranges have now been fenced off and the ranges have been improved to provide top quality facilities, including new firing positions, lane markings and updated targets. Gates and bollards prevent access to motorcycles. Colonel Mike Newman, Colchester Garrison Commander, said: "Maintaining good relations with the community is of crucial importance to the Army. In my first week in post, it is reassuring to see the effort that has been put in to being good neighbours to the people of Colchester while ensuring the best facilities for soldiers. "I congratulate the stakeholder group on its achievements and look forward to continuing the good work." Lieutenant Colonel Robert Goodin, Commander Defence Training Estate East, said: "Providing the best, safe training facilities for the Armed Forces is the focus of my work. We will always place a high priority on working with our stakeholders, especially those in the community, to enable safe and appropriate access to the training estate for both the public and the military. "Together, we have done well in Colchester to improve permissive safe access for the community, which fits around the training requirement." Local councillor Dave Harris said: "Nuisance behaviour on Middlewick Ranges has long been a problem, but it has almost faded away because of the work the Army and community have done together. We've shared concerns and produced positive solutions, while at the same time sending out the message to transgressors that their behaviour won't be tolerated. "Middlewick has become a win for all involved -- relations between the Army and community have improved, complaints about anti-social behaviour have plummeted and soldiers have the training facilities that they deserve."