RIGHTS to graze animals on commons on the Warcop Training Area have now been extinguished.
Compensation has been paid to the commoners, which will allow infantry recruits to fully use a new comprehensive firing programme, says the British Army.
The formal ending of the grazing rights follows a decision in September by Secretary of State for Defence, Geoff Hoon, that these rights may be extinguished.
At the Ministry of Defence's request, a six-week public inquiry was held in summer 2001. This addressed the concerns of commoners and wider issues such as public access, nature conservation and noise.
Mr Hoon agreed with the inquiry inspector that the national need to compulsorily purchase the Common Rights on Warcop, Murton and Hilton Commons was established. During the inquiry the MoD agreed to enhance public access and restrict night firing.
April 10, 2003 12:30
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