LIB DEMS FORCE THE ISSUE ON NIGHT FLIGHTS

9.50.00pm GMT Sun 13th Dec 2009

LIB DEMS FORCE THE ISSUE ON NIGHT FLIGHTS

Real Achievement - Exclusive by Jonathan Foster

Liberal Democrats, led by Cllr Mike Brooke, submitted an urgent motion to Poole Borough Council which resulted in the formation of a joint working party to prepare a response to Bournemouth Airport's Draft Noise Action Plan. Whilst addressing some of the residents' concerns the Conservatives on the working party refused to comment upon the excessive night time points-quota which potentially allows for a significant increase in flights in the future.

The consultation has now finished and Bournemouth Airport has published its response. Representations made by Lib. Dem Councillors and by Annette Brooke MP appear to have been taken on board as the Airport Authorities are already implementing a number of modifications to flight procedures which should reduce noise levels over urban areas.

In addition, local MP Annette Brooke has recently had a further meeting with a senior manager of the Manchester Airports Group and is delighted to report additional promises which should benefit local residents in the long run:

• The Consultative Committee will be more representative of the local community and those areas most affected by noise.

• Specific monitoring of noise levels in Broadstone will take place.

• Additional monitoring of noise levels using mobile meters will also take place in areas such as Bearwood.

• A dedicated telephone line for complaints is to be set up.

• The website will be made more user-friendly.

Finally, and most importantly, it has been accepted that the current noise quota of 3,200 is too high and that a lower figure will be negotiated during the 2013 review. Annette has pledged to monitor this and will push the airport Authorities to agree as low a figure as possible with Christchurch Council.