Sting does battle with MoD

Sting wants a public inquiry into the MoD plans

Rock star Sting has joined residents who want to sue the Ministry of Defence (MoD) over the planned expansion of an airbase.

The residents of Woodford Valley, Wiltshire, where the rock star has a luxury home, claim the MoD has breached their human rights with plans to expand a military airbase at nearby Boscombe Down.

Sting wants a public inquiry into the proposals, which are still at an early stage.

We would be very happy for Sting to come around for a briefing - at least he would be in full charge of the facts

MoD spokeswoman

The controversial proposals have been put forward by the MoD's Defence, Evaluation and Research Agency (Dera).

It wants to see the entire RAF Brize Norton tanker fleet permanently stationed at the Wiltshire base instead of in Oxfordshire.

A recent assessment of the effects of the move found local residents would suffer most from the noise of 24-hour tanker operations.

The local council cannot block the scheme because Dera does not need planning permission to press ahead with a military development.

Campaigns

Dera spokeswoman Joanna Sale admitted the siting of a new base would more than double air traffic.

But she added: "Concerns have been raised locally, but it's not been a violent reaction.

Sting lives with wife Trudie and their children

"We have developed a good and productive relationship with the community and we will do anything to protect that."

Successful musician Sting has in recent years also become known as something of a political activist.

Most notably, he has lent his support to campaigns to conserve the Brazilian rainforests and to Amnesty International.

He lives with his wife Trudie Styler and their children on their Wiltshire estate.

Ms Sale said that Dera would welcome a discussion with the rock star over its plans.

"We would be very happy for Sting to come around for a briefing - at least he would be in full charge of the facts."