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Traffic stewards being taken on at Manston as government prepares to use site as a lorry park after Brexit

Security staff and traffic stewards are being taken on at Manston ahead of Brexit as the government steps up preparations to use it as as lorry park.

Jobs including customer service and security operatives as well as traffic management stewards are being advertised by Right Guard security.

The former Manston Airport. Picture: Chris Davey. (16545935)
The former Manston Airport. Picture: Chris Davey. (16545935)

It follows the appearance of hundreds of cones - thought to be marking out parking sections - which can be seen at the old airfield from the A299 Hengist Way.

Earlier this year, the government revealed it wants to use the former airport site to hold more than 6,000 lorries in the event of a no-deal Brexit to help avoid travel problems if there are delays at Channel ports.

The scheme, called Operation Brock, was trialled in January with some 100 lorries and will be used once capacity is reached to hold HGVs on the M20.

HMRC has also revealed it intends to use Manston to conduct customs checks on HGVs diverted there in the event Operation Brock is triggered.

Spokesman for the Department for Transport Hannah Butler confirmed the site is being prepped ahead of Brexit.

Jobs are being advertised at Manston in the event Operation Brock is triggered. (18653839)
Jobs are being advertised at Manston in the event Operation Brock is triggered. (18653839)

"The UK will be leaving the EU on October 31 whatever the circumstances and that’s why the government has stepped up preparations to ensure we are fully ready," she said.

"This includes ensuring Manston airfield is ready to be used as part of Operation Brock, should it be needed."

Concerns have been raised about using the site with Thanet District Council leader Cllr Bob Bayford warning it will place a "disproportionate burden" on the area.

“The proposed Operation Brock plans, especially regarding Manston, and the potential impact on all our communities needs to be fully recognised by the government and the allocation of resources needs to reflect the increased risk faced by the district," he said at a meeting last month.

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