I HAVE read the 'mixed views' as reported by John Hutchins, of the apparent discussion regarding the renewal of the MOD's licence to continue their military training on Dartmoor.
Undoubtedly the military need every possible area to perfect their training — especially in these troubled times. If the MOD is banned from training in National Parks, where should they train? As a country we are extremely short of service personnel, and if those recruits have their training areas cut as well, we as a country would be sorely pressed to supply troops as and when needed to the various troublespots in the world.
I have noted James Paxman's (Dartmoor Preservation Association) and Kate Ashbrook's (Open Spaces Society) comments and would point out that although Dartmoor is designated a wilderness, it is no longer. Nothing to do with the military.
At weekends, when hordes of walkers descend on Dartmoor, that so-called wilderness is alive with voices, and valleys look as though they have ants crawling everywhere. Detritus is left and dogs are not always kept under control when stock is around. It is all those walkers who are encouraged to invade the National Parks who erode Dartmoor — not the military. There are acres and acres of Dartmoor available for walking without entering the firing ranges.
Without the military at Okehampton Camp, Okehampton itself would suffer enormous financial hardship, which in this recessional time is not something anybody should ignore. Several millions are contributed to the town's coffers — shops and households would definitely feel the pinch.
Let us all get our priorities right. There is room for all of us on Dartmoor, so please let us live and let live.
Ann Norman, Belstone