The MoD implemented restrictions for the public to access Ash Ranges in early 2020, and since then, local councillors and our MP have been campaigning for public access to be restored.
Michael Gove MP met the Minister for Defence Procurement, Jeremy Quin MP, at Ash Ranges with Councillors Paul Deach, Nigel Manning and Stuart Black. During the meeting Michael once more pressed for the restrictions to be lifted, and discussed what options might be available to improve access.
Commenting, Michael said:
"I know how much residents value access to Ash Ranges and how difficult recent restrictions have proved.
"Yesterday I met with MoD minister Jeremy Quin on the Ranges to discuss how we can improve access overall. I was joined by Frimley Green, Mytchett and Deepcut councillor Paul Deach and Ash Parish Council chairman Nigel Manning.
"I have been pressing Jeremy to lift restrictions and he agreed to visit yesterday to see for himself how access could be improved.
"We discussed a number of ways in which residents could enjoy easier access while respecting the army’s need to train safely.
"Jeremy is now exploring with the DIO some potential ways forward and I hope to update residents in due course."
Cllr Stuart Black added:
"I met with Michael Gove MP at Ash Ranges to discuss the ongoing access issues.
"Michael had just toured the Range Complex with Minister of State for Defence Procurement Jeremy Quinn MP and MoD staff.
"I got a sense from Michael that residents concerns regarding access to Ash Ranges are being taken seriously and that a common-sense approach that works for all is being considered.
"Michael has assured me that as soon as he has something positive to report, he will let me know to share with residents.
"During the By-election campaign, Frimley Green residents have raised access to the training areas as a concern, so I am keen to make sure the decision-makers are in no doubt the strength of feeling in the community."
Pictured, Jeremy Quin MP, Cllrs Paul Deach and Nigel Manning, and Michael Gove MP
