MEMBERS of the Swindon public may soon find themselves in the middle of a British Army military exercise. 

This is because the Ministry of Defence has announced that the town is set to be used as the venue for a specialist training exercise starting from September 22 to September 30.

Because of this, members of the public may see movement of both military personnel and vehicles at various locations within Swindon Town and surrounding areas, especially at night.

A spokesperson for the Army said: "The exercise is designed to test Army’s personnel and equipment in both rural and urban environments against a fictional opposing presence and is being undertaken by the Army’s specialist Experimentation and Trials Group (ETG) and Defence Equipment and Support.

"Personnel will be operating proven unmanned ground and aerial vehicles in an effort to prove any new requirements of the Army’s capability to operate and fight in urban and countryside settings."​

It is going ahead with the co-operation and support of Swindon Borough Council and Wiltshire Police, and the army has reassured that no live ammunition is being used and disruption will be kept to a minimum. 

The spokesperson added: "The Army would like to thank the public in advance for their understanding as the Army carries out this essential specialist training."