The BHS welcomes new MoD low flying telephone advisory service
The British Horse Society has welcomed a new Ministry of
Defence telephone helpline warning horse riders of low flying
military helicopter activity.
The new advisory service was introduced on Tuesday (March
1) as part of an MoD review of low flying military helicopter
training.
Sheila Hardy, The BHS's Safety Senior Executive, said: "The
British Horse Society is delighted that the MoD has taken
the problems involving horse riders and low flying helicopters
seriously and produced this basic service. While we know it
will not solve all our problems, it is an excellent start."
The MoD review was in response to recommendations made by
the Louth and Spilsby District Coroner, in Lincolnshire, at
the inquest into the death of horse rider Heather Bell in
June 2003.
The Ministry said the advisory service will offer daily advice
on planned activity in Low Flying Areas, and that the information
provided will include conformation that scheduled low flying
training is to take place and details of the expected number
of helicopters.
The advisory service can be contacted on 0800 51 55 44 from
8am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
For further information, please contact:
Sheila Hardy, Safety Senior Executive, The BHS, 01926 707781
or S.Hardy@bhs.org.uk ., or Suzanne Goldby, Communications
Department, The British Horse Society, 01926 707743 / s.goldby@bhs.org.uk
or communications@bhs.org.uk
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