Gunfire heard far and wide across north Northumberland

The sound of gunfire coming from the MoD military training area at Otterburn and Redesdale could be heard in many parts of north Northumberland and even the Borders today.

The Gazette Facebook page was flooded with comments with people saying they could hear the noise in places such as Beadnell, Eglingham, Wooler, Berwick and Duns. There were reports of windows and houses rattling.

A spokesman for the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) blamed the far-reaching noise on the direction of the wind and said that the size of the artillery was nothing out of the ordinary. He admitted that the DIO had received a number of calls about the noise.

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Among the comments on our Facebook page, Sarah Bell wrote: ‘Windows rattling away in Wooler. Can hear the bangs loud and clear.’

Also posting on the page was Rothbury ward councillor Steven Bridgett. He said: ‘The training area has been there more than 100 years.

‘It provides a huge amount of economic benefits and jobs to our area, not to mention it is the perfect arena for our troops to learn the skills needed in their craft, skills that allow me and I am sure many of us to sleep easy at night – even with the bangs!

‘All we have to do is put up with some bangs and shakes for a few days every few months. Best of luck to them.’

Firing at the Otterburn/Redesdale ranges is scheduled until Friday, February 26. There will be no-firing that weekend, but will recommence on Monday, February 29, and run into March.