Response from a local resident

I am a resident of Goathland, the nearest village to the Fylingdales station. You ask for feedback on the environmental effects of the missile defence scheme.

We live in a beautiful part of the country, surrounded by moorland and with views of the sea from high ground. Yet in many directions our views are interrupted by the shape of the truncated pyramid which is the radar. It is not only visually obtrusive but we are also aware that - as one of our MEPs said, it is like a giant microwave oven with the door slightly open. We know that there are certain spots where the radiowaves are more strong and we receive effects such as the cutting out of car radios and even tape recorders, as well as car alarms being set off in our village. We keep asking for proper health studies and rigorous measuring of the emissions, with transparent reporting of the results.

We often have to explain to the tourists who come to the area why their cars won't start, why there is that peculiar pyramid on the moors and why the place is bristling with police - sometimes armed and with dogs. People cannot stop at the car park on the way in to the village without being observed and sometimes questioned by the MOD police.

There is a great deal of opposition to the plans - and even more so when interceptor missiles were mentioned. This idea was met with incredulity. But in general people perceive that however much they complain 'The Americans have the power and will go ahead with their plans in any case'. There has been a distinct lack of consultation, which results in people becoming cynical about their ability to influence decisions. It is a very strange feeling to have this area on one's doorstep. We know that there are sites of special scientific and archaeological interest - but we have to trust they are being looked after. We certainly don't get to see them.

We have been taken on a tour of the site - but that only reinforces the feeling that it is alien territory. When we were shown a diagram of the command structure, it was only too clear who was really in charge - even if the place is RAF in name. For this reason it is doubly important that proper environmental assessments are carried out. People in the area are also concerned about becoming more of a terrorist target. We are not told anything about what plans have been made for our safety and we fear that as a scattered rural polulation we will be seen as expendable.

Some people who have worked at the base perceive of themselves as having become ill as a result of the radiowaves. Although people are glad of jobs, responsibility must be taken for the health of all those who work or live near the base. We are aware of the health concerns of the people who live around the Cape Cod base and I am sure they will be passing these on to you.

I hope that these comments, which represent those of many living near the Base, can be taken into account.

Yours sincerely, Jackie Fearnley, Brereton Lodge, Goathland, Nth Yorkshire