AN impassioned plea for the Army to work with residents was issued at a hearing into proposals to divert a footpath.

Colchester Council has applied to move the Middlewick Ranges path to allow the Army to fence off vandal-hit rifle ranges.

Dave Harris, ward councillor, yesterday told a planning inquiry the overwhelming majority of Berechurch residents were opposed to the fence and footpath diversion, on grounds of safety, visual impact and the loss of access to the land.

He said: “Everyone supports the Army and we offer the chance of collaborative working to meet everyone’s aims.

“I would respectfully ask the Army for a trial run for a Neighbourhood Watch-style group for the ranges.

“If it fails, put the fence up, but, if it succeeds, the prize is the enhancement of the area to the benefit of all.”

Charles Banner, representing the Ministry of Defence, said objectors’ arguments were about the fence stopping access to land more than the footpath, so was beyond the inspector’s remit.

He said troops could be forced to travel to Salisbury or York for firing training, if the fence could not be built.

Suhayla Bewley, representing Colchester Council, said the footpath was rarely used because people were able to roam freely over the MoD land.

Inspector Martin Elliot will announce his decision later.

l Written representations can be made until February 12, to Jean McEntee, 4/05, Kite Wing, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6PN; quoting FPS/A1530/5/3.