Rider's death leads to hotline (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Rider's death leads to hotline

A new freephone advisory service has been set up following the death of a young woman whose horse was spooked by a low flying helicopter.

The service, which started this week, enables members of the public to find out about low flying military helicopters in the area.

The service has been introduced as part of a Ministry of Defence review following the death of a horse lover in Lincolnshire nearly two years ago.

Heather Bell, 38, died in June 2003 after falling off her horse which had been spooked by a Chinook helicopter.

A statement from the MoD said the service had been set up in response to recommendations made by the coroner who held the inquest into the incident.

The statement said that the service demonstrated the MoD's commitment to improving information about low flying helicopters.

The new service would provide daily advice on planned low flying military helicopter activity in Low Flying Areas.

It would include confirmation of whether low flying helicopter training is taking place and the expected number of machines.

However, the statement warned that members of the public should be aware that all military helicopter activity is subject to change at late notice because of altered weather conditions or operational requirements.

The number to call is 0800 51 55 44 from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. This will be extended to 8pm during British Summer Time.