WALKERS out for a peaceful stroll in the countryside fear they will be caught in the crossfire of airsoft gun battles.

Military simulation business C3 Tactical which used to operate in Clearwell has moved to the Dick Whittington Farm Park in Longhope.

Ramblers and residents have sent in objections to the plans, fearing walkers could be hit by plastic ball bearings after a public right of way was not highlighted in the proposals.

"We feel the path is too close to where people will be using dangerous weapons," said Sheila Constable, secretary of the Footpath Committee.

"There are signs warning the airsoft people to put their goggles on but the public don't have any. If someone loses an eye it's not going to be good."

One local resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "There are public rights of way going right through the farm park which aren't clearly sign posted so to have this sort of activity going on doesn't seem very sensible.

"We thought the farm park was supposed to be orientated toward young children, so to have this cheek-by-jowl with adults running around in combat gear firing BB guns raises serious health and safety concerns.

"If this gets approved the whole valley will end up developed which is something that planners voted against some years ago."

Airsoft enthusiast Patrick Guilfoyle, who set up C3 Tactical with his business partner Kim Chapman, said it was "ludicrous" to suggest the public would be in any danger.

He said: "Even for people who are playing the game, getting injured is very rare. There are more injuries caused by tripping over than from the weapons themselves – which are essentially toy guns, not firearms.

"The footpath runs through a safe zone where no guns will be fired, and there will be marshals there to alert us via radio if anyone strays into the game zone. If this happens the game will be stopped."

Farm park owner Chris Turney said health and safety was a top concern at his attraction and that walkers would not be at any risk.

He said: "The application we have put in is for an outdoor activity area which will offer all sorts of things like horse riding. The airsoft activities will only take place from time to time and we have no intention of putting this near the footpath. We have listened to concerns that have been raised and we will move the airsoft campsite across from the other side of the footpath to be on the same site as the battle area."