Islington Lib Dems say no to aeroplane noise.

5.36.00pm GMT Thu 3rd Jan 2008

The Hillrise Lib Dem team: united against aircraft noise

All of Islington's councillors are happy to listen to people's problems- whatever they may be. After hearing many people complain about noise from passing aircraft, ward councillors from Hillrise in the north of the borough have started a campaign and a petition, calling on the Government and the aviation industry to give Islington quiet skies.

A particular problem has been identified with night flights and aeroplane noise between 5 and 7 am.

The Hillrise councillors will also be conducting a survey to find out the extent of the problem so that evidence can be presented to the Government for when they consider expanding Heathrow and Stansted airports.

The petition calls on the Government to:

• Reduce flights over Islington at night, between 11pm and 7am.

• Vary flight paths to give residents some relief from noise.

• Provide clear information on flight paths over London.

• Abandon plans for a new runways at Heathrow and Stansted Airports.

• Replace Airport Passenger Duty with an Aircraft Tax to encourage airlines to fly fewer, but fuller, journeys.

A campaign website has been launched where residents can sign the petition and leave their comments. This can be found online at:

http://campaigns.libdems.org.uk/IslingtonQuietSkies

Launching the campaign, Councillor Greg Foxsmith commented:

"The expansion of Heathrow is out for consultation right now, although some people are saying that it is another stitch-up by a Labour Government who have already made up their minds. The only thing more annoying than the noise from passing planes is the drone from Government Ministers defending the aviation industry.

"But we need to do what we can to make the voice of Islington heard. We are living in the shadow of the flight path, and this affects us too. Please sign our petition online or on the doorstep."

Cllr Julia Williams pointed to the particular problem with night flights, saying:

"I am a light sleeper and have been personally annoyed by noisy planes, particularly in the early mornings. For me, the real problem is flights between 5 and 7 am. The Government should realise the effect that loud noise has on people at this time and reduce- or ban outright- the flights over our homes before 7am."

Baroness Sarah Ludford MEP added her voice to the campaign, saying:

"The relentless growth of flights is having a horrendous impact on the lives of those under the flight paths. Noise pollution resulting from aviation is not only a major source of irritation, but is also linked to stress, hypertension, sleep disturbance and impaired learning and academic performance. The Government needs to wake up to this problem and not let local residents suffer."