The US military would link up with the UK on the project

It is not so much the impact on the landscape that infuriates residents, but more what exactly the base does.

It is a listening station, fitted with the latest technology. It also houses satellite tracking systems, which would be essential elements of George W Bush's latest plans.

Many people believe that puts the base at threat from terrorists.

Protestors are regularly arrested and charged, with breaking into the base, or causing criminal damage.

Helen Johns was back in court again this week. She and a colleague broke through fencing at the base last year.

She is a peace campaigner. But she also feels strongly about the potential threat.

She is not alone.

'Radioactive debris'

The protestors warn that if America shoots down a missile over Britain it would shower the country in radioactive debris.

This is not just about protecting Yorkshire, they argue, but the whole of the country.

Public demonstrations about the base represent only the most forthright views. Harrogate Borough Council acknowledges there is also much disquiet in the area about Menwith Hill.

Recently there were 200 objections raised to the council as it considered plans to build battery charging houses at the site.

These will power infra-red systems which can be used by the Americans to track possible warheads.

But the council's hands are tied. The base is on Crown land and that means planning permission does not have to follow the normal procedure for any development on the site.

There have been objections raised before to planning applications, and the council has always taken them on board.

Invariably the matter has been resolved by negotiations with the MoD.

The council can object in principle to any development relating to the Star Wars project, but since it would be a matter of Government policy, it is highly unlikely an objection would carry any weight.

The leader of the council, Geoff Webber, believes the Government must work more closely with people living near the site, to understand and take on board their very real concerns.

The council's cabinet is meeting later this month.

On its agenda is the issue of whether it will object to the Star Wars project, before the government defines its policy.

Most local people will have to rely on their elected councillors to fight on their behalf.

But the protestors warn they will not back down.

They are already planning to increase the number of demonstrations at the base. They insist they will "alert the world" if Menwith Hill does find itself at the centre of the Star Wars plans.