MP moves to have Fred Wigg Tower missiles shifted

Published by Max Salsbury for 24dash.com in Central Government and also in Communities

An MP has tabled an early day motion in an effort to stop the MoD from placing missiles on the Fred Wigg Tower in Leyton, London.

John Cryer, MP for Leyton and Wanstead, has called for the MoD to urgently review the siting of the rockets, which are designed to protect the Olympics from terrorism.

The MoD's plans to install the weapons on the residential block were recently given the all-clear in London's High Court after tenants challenged the decision.

Mr Cryer said: “ I fully recognise the need to provide reasonable security for the Olympic Games but I am concerned at the unprecedented decision of the MoD to station troops, armed police and Ground Based Air Defence missile systems on top of Fred Wigg Tower, a civilian residential block of flats in Leyton.

“This has been done without any consultation with the residents affected and without bringing the matter before parliament for consideration by MPs, despite the fact that seven years have passed since this country was awarded the Olympic Games.

“I have urged the MoD to examine urgently the possibility of building a temporary tower as for the missile systems instead of such weapons and launch pads being sited over the heads of my residents in Leyton.

“The situation is having an detrimental impact on many of my constituents who live in the Tower Block. They are anxious and living in a state of fear.”

The towers' residents were upset when the Government and the MoD decided to place the missiles on their building's roof without consulting them.

The Fred Wigg Tower is one of six London sites planned for missile deployment during the Games.