Live firing and military training notice issued for Altcar Rifle Range throughout August

Residents in #Hightown, #Formby and surrounding areas are being advised that live firing and military training may take place at Altcar Rifle Range throughout August 2026.

The latest monthly notification has been issued by Altcar Rifle Range in accordance with its bye-laws and standing orders and covers the period from Saturday 1 August to Monday 31 August 2026.

Live firing may take place seven days a week

According to the notice, live firing may take place on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between 8am and 3.30pm throughout August.

Fridays are normally non-live firing days, although the range has advised that operational training may be arranged at very short notice.

This means residents in Hightown, Formby and nearby communities may hear periods of gunfire and other military training activity during the month.

Blank ammunition and pyrotechnics may be heard at other times

Dry training may take place at any time throughout August, rather than being restricted to the live firing hours.

The range has advised that blank ammunition and/or pyrotechnics may be used as part of this training.

Residents should therefore be aware that loud bangs or other sounds associated with military exercises do not necessarily mean live firing is taking place.

Important warning over red flags and red lights

When the ranges are in use, the Land and Sea Danger Areas will be closed whenever RED FLAGS or RED LIGHTS/LAMPS are displayed.

Members of the public must observe these warnings and should not enter a danger area while the signals are displayed.

The Air Danger Height is 1,000ft when the ranges are in use.

Night firing

Live night firing can only take place from Monday to Saturday if it has been specifically requested by a military unit or police firearms organisation, with at least one calendar month’s notice required.

The August notice states: “At present, there is no night shooting due to take place in the month of July.”

As the notification is specifically for August 2026, the reference to July appears to have been carried over from the previous month’s notice. Residents should therefore be aware that the published notice itself refers to July rather than explicitly confirming that there will be no night firing during August.

Firing times can occasionally be extended

Altcar Rifle Range says every effort is made to ensure live firing takes place within the published hours of 8am to 3.30pm.

However, military units may occasionally request additional time because of unforeseen circumstances or operational requirements.

Any such extension will be strictly monitored by the Range Liaison Officer and will only be granted in exceptional circumstances.

The August notification has been issued by Mr Lucas Farrell, Range Liaison Officer.

Anyone walking around the Hightown and Altcar area during August should pay particular attention to warning signs, red flags and red lights around the range and danger areas.