No-fly zone is breached (From Gazette Series)

No-fly zone is breached

SAFETY fears over the security of a nuclear power station have been heightened with the revelation that military aircraft have breached a no fly zone surrounding the Berkeley centre three times in the last two years.

As the Ministry of Defence confirmed the navigational errors leading to the breaches of the anti-terrorist no fly zone, residents have called for greater care to be taken around the decommissioned site.

One home-owner living near the Hamfield Lane power station said she was well aware of the no fly zone.

She said: "I think the zone is there for a reason and should be adhered to."

Each of the parish councils surrounding Berkeley power station has a representative on the power station liaison committee.

Hamfallow parish clerk Mary Sealey said residents have to rely on the power station to protect the site.

She stated: "We would hope they would safeguard the site. We obviously have to trust in the powers-that-be."

A MoD spokesman said in a statement the three incidents - involving a US fighter jet and two RAF helicopters - posed no danger to the nuclear installation.

He explained the no fly zones exist to keep aircraft away from what is a potentially important site.

"These incidents are simply a case of slight navigational error," he added. "These types of incidents are extremely rare. Flight safety is obviously extremely important and RAF crews are aware of restrictions."

The spokesman added the breaches had posed no risk to people or property.

It is understood there is no high-level radioactive fuel in the Berkeley station as this was taken away following the decommissioning.

A spokesman for operators British Nuclear Group, Tim Jones said the restricted flying zone around the site exists to prevent aircraft flying below 2,000ft and within two nautical miles of the power station.

"Exemptions do apply for police and air ambulance helicopters," he said. "We report alleged incidents of low flying to the Civil Aviation Authority who have responsibility for enforcing the restricted zones."

Mr Jones added that, if the aircraft is identified as belonging to the military, incidents are also reported to the Ministry of Defence complaints and inquiries section.

He said: "It is then a matter for the appropriate authorities to take any further action."

Gloucestershire Green Party has also called for greater care around the Berkeley site.

Spokesman Philip Booth said: "We have already been warned that nuclear power stations themselves could be terrorist targets. Now we hear our own military have dangerously breached the air-exclusion zones."