Judge rejects bid by London tenants to remove rooftop missiles

London, July 11 : A High Court judge in London rejected on Tuesday a bid by tenants of a 17-story residential tower block that would prevent surface-to-air missiles being put on the roof of their building during the Olympic Games.





Fred Wigg Tower is one of two 1960s public housing projects on an otherwise low-rise street. The upper floors and roof offer an unimpeded view over east London, the Canary Wharf business district and the Olympic Park, about two miles (three kilometers) away.

Residents were upset that they were not consulted by the Ministry of Defense on the decision to install the missiles. This led them to seek a judicial review as they feared its presence would make them a target of a terrorist attack.

However, Judge Charles Haddon-Cave said the missiles presented “no real threat” to residents and were a necessary part of Olympic security.

Martin Howe, a lawyer representing the residents, believes that the installment interferes with their private lives.

“They do not need to ask you. They do not need to consult you, but can take away your home and put a missile on your roof, a tank on your lawn or soldiers in your front living room,” he said.

The judge's decision also disappointed residents in the area.

“Disgraceful,” said Ruth, an east London resident. “I think they should put the missiles on other targets, like David Cameron and Buckingham Palace. They only target the poor, the weak and the vulnerable, and they just protect millionaires and rich, powerful, privileged people.”