TENANTS whose tower block will be used as a missile base during the Olympics have dropped their legal challenge.

Residents of Fred Wigg Tower on the Montague Road Estate in Leytonstone were considering an appeal after losing a High Court battle yesterday to prevent the surface-to-air missiles being placed on top of their block of flats, but have abandoned their fight after being told they could face up to £100,000 in court fees if they lost.

They fear the weapons - which would defend the Olympics from air attacks - will make them a target for terrorists.

But Mr Justice Haddon-Cave dismissed the concerns on Tuesday (June 10), agreeing with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) that the block overlooking Wanstead Flats was the only suitable site to host the missiles.

Kieran O'Rourke, of Howe & Co Solicitors, the solicitors acting pro bono for the tenants, said: "It's disappointing but these court fees would have been huge. These people live in one of London's poorest boroughs and they've basically been priced out of having their say.

"It's really bad. They have real fears that their lives will be at risk but the financial risk for them is massive. Democracy has suffered since the start of this process."

It means the MoD is now free to install the missiles before Friday evening, in preparation for the opening of the athletes' Olympic Village this Sunday.

Leyton MP John Cryer and Harlington MP John McDonnell are set to submit an Early Day Motion in Parliament today stating the matter should have been brought before the House of Commons and calling for the MoD to admit the residents should have been consulted over the plans.

Mr O'Rourke said he hoped the motion would get support to highlight the fact that the army can take such measures in the interests of national security without consulting anyone.

"It's over legally but politically this is an important issue," he added. "It's a real worry that these powers essentially mean that the army can decide to take over your private home and they can do that unless you are a multi-millionaire who can afford the court costs to tackle it."

Meanwhile the MoD has refused to provide accomodation for any residents who feel too scared to stay in the tower during the Olympics.

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