RESIDENTS are calling the decision to build a £16m shooting range for the Olympics a "colossal waste of money".

The Royal Artillery Barracks, Woolwich, has been chosen to host shooting events at the 2012 event by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games.

However, residents are against the plans and claim the money could be better spent.

And British Shooting, the governing body of Britain's Olympic shooters, says it is "concerned" about the choice of venue.

As it stands, the shooting range will be removed six weeks after the London Olympics begins.

It is believed the organising committee looked at other venues for the shooting range but chose the barracks because of its stunning backdrop.

News Shopper understands other venues are believed to be more suitable in terms of safety and will be permanent fixtures.

The Dartford Clay Shooting Club, Joyce Green Lane, Joyce Green, Dartford, wanted to host the shooting events in 2012 but is said to have been rejected because it is outside London.

Resident Michael Matthews, a former committee member of the Thamesmead Advisory Group, a community group advising on issues in Thamesmead, Woolwich and Plumstead, believes the £16m would be better spent on bringing Woolwich town centre up to date.

The 74-year-old, of Field Fare, Thamesmead, said: "This is a farce. If they have £16m of taxpayers' money to spend within the Olympic budget, they should regenerate the area instead of wasting it on this.

"This is a colossal waste of money."

William Cicognani, chairman of the Woolwich-based Herbert Traders Association, said: "It is unjustifiable to spend everybody's money to build this structure and then take it down.

"Why not build it in Dartford where it can benefit the sport?"

A British Shooting spokesman said: "I can confirm British Shooting has concerns over the suitability of the Woolwich Barracks as a venue.

"We are in discussions with both the organising committee and our own international federation about an alternative venue."

A committee spokesman said: "Our plans were approved by the International Shooting Federation and Greenwich Council.

"We are now contractually bound to deliver Woolwich as the venue for shooting and this will not change."