UK reduces training time for Ukrainian troops over noise complaints from locals — report
The UK Defense Ministry has scaled-down training activities for Ukrainian military personnel at a base in Lydd, Kent, after local residents complained about the noise, the Daily Mail reported on Sept. 11.
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The Lydd Town Council informed the ministry that it received a "complaint" from residents about explosions and sounds of gunfire. Base Lt. Col. Mark Powell then agreed to take measures to reduce the level of noise, stating that he intends to maintain cordial relations with “the good people of Lydd.”
“We are deeply appreciative of the support we receive from Lydd while we train the Armed Forces of Ukraine,” Powel said in an open letter.
“In response to a number of letters raised about the noise, I have directed my team to review our processes and can report we have reduced training activity by 30 per cent. We have rescinded the use of the most intense smoke effects and we will reduce the duration and intensity of the loudest sound effects.”
In a letter of complaint received by the town council, a 63-year-old man said his windows "rattle" from "very loud explosions". Another local couple were dissatisfied with the fact that the explosions continue until evening.
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At the same time, another local resident pointed out the unreasonable expectation of silence while living near a military base.
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“'If you buy a house or move next to an army camp, what do you expect it to be? Quiet?” the article quotes a woman living next to the base.
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“They are defending the country. It's no use sending people out who are not trained and can't deal with explosions or gunfire.”
A ministry spokesperson stated that the planned reduction of training regimes in Lydd did not impact UK’s overall program of training Ukrainian military personnel, which has already prepared more than 23,000 troops.
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