EARLY opposition is threatening to disrupt plans to base the military tanker fleet at Boscombe Down.

Concern over the increase in noise resulting from additional air traffic has led many parish councils in the surrounding area to come out against the scheme.

This is despite a preliminary environmental impact assessment concluding that this increase would be negligible.

Other parishes are worried that, if the base is successful in capturing the RAF's air-to-air refuelling operation, it will lead to increased traffic on surrounding roads.

Letters outlining the proposals have now been circulated to properties nearest the base and the district council's planning department is bracing itself for a vociferous response.

In supporting the scheme, Amesbury Town Council has chosen to focus on the economic benefits the massive scheme would bring.

An estimated 500 new civilian jobs and an improvement in the infrastructure of the area are promised.

But coming out in support of the scheme was not a decision that was taken lightly, according to Cllr Dennis Brown said: "Make no mistake, what we are considering here is a 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week operation.

"As a council, overall we're in favour but we certainly have our reservations."