COUNCILLORS are demanding reassurances that US missiles will not be based on the North York Moors.

Ten days ago, newspaper reports claimed a secret deal had been agreed allowing US interceptor missiles to be stationed at RAF Fylingdales.

The Ministry of Defence denied the claim, in the Independent on Sunday, but some North Yorkshire county councillors were not reassured.

At a meeting yesterday, it was agreed a letter would be sent to the Government asking for assurances there were no plans to allow "Son of Star Wars" missiles at the base.

County councillor John Weighell said: "Speculation about the possible deployment of interceptor missiles, following on from the early warning radar upgrade, is a major cause of concern.

"The Government should give a clear and unequivocal statement on its position on this issue."