Islanders irritated by booms from the Shoeburyness firing range are warned to expect even bigger bangs.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) base in Essex has been granted special dispensation for urgent work, which could potentially exceed the range’s strict noise limit for the period of the trial.

This waiver is to ensure the work, scheduled for tomorrow (Thursday) and Friday, can go ahead on time.

Further work - and a possible increase in noise - is also planned for the whole of next week.

In normal circumstances, QinetiQ, which operates the site on behalf of the MOD, sticks to a self-imposed noise limit of 125dB.

A spokesman for QinetiQ said: “Acoustic forecasting plays a major part in planning activity on the range and this will still apply during the trial.

“No activity will take place before 9am and noise levels will not exceed 135dB. There is no question of the statutory limit of 140dB (as specified in the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005) being exceeded.

“While QinetiQ apologises in advance for any potential inconvenience caused, this trial is an urgent requirement in support and protection of our troops engaged in conflict.”

• Members of the public that have concerns about activities at MOD Shoeburyness can call the Shoeburyness Careline free on 0800 0560108.