Claims of noisy jets at Southend Airport are rejected by council (From Southend Standard)

Claims of noisy jets at Southend Airport are rejected by council

10:00pm Wednesday 4th July 2012 in Southend By Steve Hackwell

PEOPLE who protest about increased noise from Southend Airport are confusing its flights with other airports, council chiefs claim.

Bosses at Southend Council said the number of complaints about aircraft noise was at roughly the same level as it had been before easyJet moved into the town in April.

They believe many residents living under the flight path mistake planes flying to or from Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and London City airports for those heading into Southend.

Despite this, they’ve agreed to set up a committee to monitor complaints and ensure the airport doesn’t breach strict limits on flight paths and night operations.

Andy Lewis, corporate director for the environment, said: “Complaints regarding noise since the enhanced level of operation of the airport have not increased. The situation is complicated by the level of flights in and around Southend (from other airports).”

Council leader, Nigel Holdcroft, added: “I think residents are generally supportive of the airport, but it is important we’re seen to monitor the situation and ensure it is following the rules.”

Since easyJet started routes to nine overseas destinations, the number of people flying from Southend has rocketed. More than 100,000 passengers used the airport over the last two months.

People living under the flight path in Leigh claim their lives are now blighted by low-flying planes. The new committee will be given regular updates by the airport on the number of flights arriving and leaving Southend.

But Liz Marcusson, 47, from Leigh, said: “They can’t stop the flights from coming in, can they? I don’t care what people say – it’s much noisier.” No one from the airport wished to comment.