Lamb Calls For RAF Coltishall Noise Meeting

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 11th Aug 2003

Norman Lamb, Liberal Democrat MP for North Norfolk, has called on the Ministry of Defence to agree to a meeting with local representatives about noise from aircraft at RAF Coltishall.

In a letter to the Secretary of State for Defence, Mr Lamb referred to the fact that aircraft noise complaints are seemingly 'becoming more frequent and more regular'. He has also obtained figures showing that aircraft movements at Coltishall have increased in recent years.

Commenting, Mr Lamb said: "I must stress that my concerns are not about the base itself, which I realise makes a very important contribution to the local economy and to the RAF's operational capabilities. However, I feel that my constituents' concerns deserve a full and fair airing.

"My view is that a meeting involving people from the communities affected, the local Parish Councils and the MoD is the best way forward. I have also asked Geoff Hoon for further information regarding the compensation scheme for properties affected by noise from RAF Coltishall, and the noise survey which was recently completed. Several of the complaints I have received come from areas not covered by the survey, and I feel this needs addressing."