Council joins spy base watchdog

Campaigners oppose the US Military's use of Menwith Hill

Concerns raised by US involvement at a North Yorkshire spy base have prompted a council to join a watchdog set up to monitor activity at the site.

York councillors have voted to join the Menwith Hill Forum, which monitors the RAF listening base near Harrogate.

The group says it is concerned the area could be a terrorist target because of its involvement in US missile defence.

Councillor Mark Hill said the decision reflected real concerns the authority has about the role of the RAF base.

"I am very pleased that City of York Council has decided to join the Menwith Hill Forum.

"The passing of this resolution reflects the very real concerns of councillors in York of the threats to civil liberties and terrorist attacks arising from the Menwith Hill base."

The Menwith Hill forum is made up of local councils, MPs, campaign groups, trade unions and concerned local citizens.