A COUNCIL responsible for the area surrounding a US spy base says it is confident action will be taken to ensure workers' and residents' safety, after it featured on an Isis hitlist.

Harrogate Borough Council's leader Councillor Richard Cooper said the authority had not received any information about the rallying call by Islamic State's hacking division for British terrorists to carry out atrocities at RAF Menwith Hill.

It has emerged the North Yorkshire base was one of four in Britain to feature on a hitlist compiled by a British couple, who moved to Syria to join Isis with the aim of avenging western countries' bombing against Muslims in Syria and Iraq.

While the base has long been viewed by security experts as a potential target for terrorists, the publication of the list online was the first time it had been confirmed Isis wanted to target the site on the southern edge of the Yorkshire Dales.

The online list, which has since been removed, reportedly said: "We are extracting confidential data and passing on your personal information to the soldiers of the khilafah who soon, with the permission of Allah, will strike at your necks in your own lands!"

The Campaign for the Accountability of American Bases said it was deeply concerning that RAF Menwith Hill, had been confirmed as a target by the terrorist group for a "lone wolf" attack and there was a possibility the attack could be chemical, biological or nuclear.

When asked if he would join calls for the Ministry of Defence to break its silence over whether it had bolstered security at the base, Cllr Cooper said: "When threats are known, proportionate action should be taken.

"I am very confident the Ministry of Defence and the base will take the action necessary."