Londoners protest against plans to place surface-to-air missiles on buildings during Olympics

London, Sun, 01 Jul 2012 ANI

London, July 1 (ANI): East Londoners are protesting against a government's move to station surface-to-air missiles on the roofs of their rented flats during the London Olympics.

According to The Daily Mail, the Ministry of Defense (MoD) is considering plans to deploy the missiles across six sites to help counter possible airborne terror threats during the Olympics.

Hundreds of people took to the streets to voice their anger over the plan, while lawyers for the residents launched legal action, saying proposals to deploy missiles on flats is a breach of tenants' human rights.

Brandishing banners reading 'Stop The East End Missile Crisis' and 'Don't play games with our lives' many of the residents have also backed a petition.

Although proposals have yet to be finalized and confirmed, campaigners are angry that six sites have already been selected as potential stations, some in residential spots, including Bow and Leytonstone.

Despite campaigners voicing their opposition to any plans for their residences to be used as weapons site, the government is pressing ahead with their security initiatives.

Military chiefs have said they hope to 'allay people's fears'.

Air Vice Marshall Stuart Atha added: "We want the focus to be on Usain Bolt this summer and not us. We're very proud to be part of this plan to deliver a safe and secure Olympics." (ANI)