The MOD base in Pendine

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) intended to carry out a live firing of the weapon at its base at Pendine, Carmarthenshire, on Tuesday.

Officials had warned residents living nearby that the missile could be a risk for properties outside its boundaries and explained they would have to leave their houses.

Neil Lewis and his father Gwyn, of Longridge Farm, are within the 1700 metre exclusion zone and the MoD had proposed moving their 65 dairy cows to Whitland Mart for up to three days.

We've also got the problem in Iraq and we don't know if this missile is needed out there to protect our soldiers Neil Lewis

'Danger Zone'

Another 65 younger animals would have been left in the cattle sheds unattended with extra fodder.

Neil Lewis said: "We are in the danger zone for shrapnel and whatever else might go wrong."

He said he had not taken the decision lightly because he did not want to do anything to harm war preparations, and all the residents living nearby had been offered compensation.

"There has been a lot of pressure due to the fact that other people have been offered compensation as well," said Mr Lewis.

The missile is fired at a target on the base

"We've also got the problem in Iraq and we don't know if this missile is needed out there to protect our soldiers."

It is believed the weapon to be trialled was a 'bunker busting' missile.

The decision to cancel the test has been welcomed by peace activists.

"People in Wales do not want to be part of the preparations for war in Iraq," said CND Cymru vice chairman Rod Stallard.

"The proposed test at Pendine would have had serious effects on the environment around Pendine and Laugharne and be detrimental to the health of the local population and animals."

The MoD says without the permission of residents testing will not go ahead.

The base - one of the biggest employers in the area - has a mile-long firing range which has previously been used to evaluate Cruise missiles.

'Total evacuation'

Around 15 home owners were asked if they were prepared to move out temporarily.

Among the businesses affected by the request was a hotel part-owned by actor Neil Morrissey.

A spokesman for the missile range confirmed the missile testing planned for Tuesday had been cancelled because one resident was adamant he did not want to leave his home.

The range spokesman added that it was made clear it would need to be "total evacuation or nothing".