The National Shooting Centre Bisley in Surrey, which staged the shooting events during the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games, was the original choice of London 2012 officials to be a host venue.

 

But they moved it during the bidding process after they received advice from the Internaitonal Olympic Committee that they stood more chance of winning the Games if the venue was closer to the Athletes Village and the other main sites.

 

The decision to host the sport at the Royal Artillery Barracks has provoked anger among every major shooting organisation in Britain because they claim it will leave them with no legacy.

 

Now Gove, a Conservative, has started a campaign to get London 2012 officials to change their mind.

 

He said: "The Government has again snubbed the residents of Bisley.

 

“Everyone in the know recognises the National Shooting Centre as Britain’s premier shooting venue.

 

"Continuing with the decision to start afresh at Woolwich is not only a waste of taxpayers’ money but also disrespectful to a great institution that has served our country for years.

 

"I will not let the matter drop.”

 

Supporting him will be Norman Holden, the chairman of Bisley Residents’ Association, who said: “We still feel strongly that there are good reasons to stage the Olympic shooting events at the existing world-class facilities.

 

“I think the distance from London is not really a problem.”

 

But London 2012 officials have said repeatedly that they will not move the event and are committed to hosting the event at the Royal Artillery Barracks.