AN ACTION group to protest against changes to flight paths at RAF Linton-on-Ouse has been launched by concerned residents.

Villagers from Linton, Newton-on-Ouse and Tollerton have formed SAFA, the Safety And Fairness Alliance, to urge Hambleton District Council to rethink changes to airfield flight patterns.

RAF Linton-on-Ouse provides basic training to pilots in Tucano aircraft. The original circuits, flown since 1995, were directed to the north, north-west and south-west of the base.

After consultation between staff at the base and council officers in April last year, some of the routes were redirected to the east and south on a temporary basis, to give a more "geographic spread" of noise. The trial circuits are due to finish this April, but the council has not yet decided whether or not the changes will be permanent.

Mike Croft, a member of the SAFA campaign from Linton, said: "As long-standing neighbours of the air base, we are very accepting of aircraft noise and fully support the RAF in their activities.

"These changes result from a small group in the village of Aldwark who have lobbied the council hard to reduce the impact on their own homes.

"As a result, around 3,000 people are being asked to shoulder an additional noise burden in order to benefit just 130. The council's logic is obviously flawed."

Residents are particularly concerned about aircraft that now fly directly over Linton-on-Ouse Primary School, prompting fears of disturbances to classes.

The SAFA campaign, which is backed by parish councils in Linton and Newton, is gathering objections from local villagers and has launched a campaign website at www.safaweb.co.uk.

Mr Croft said: "The original flying circuits were carefully defined by the RAF themselves and have met their requirements for nearly ten years. We are simply asking for these to be re-instated.

"It's the fairest solution and will allow people to return to levels of aircraft noise that they have long been used to."

Eric Kendall, head of environmental health and housing at Hambleton District Council, said: "The council cabinet is due to visit the base this month, and a liaison group will bring together local representatives to influence future decisions over the circuits.

"The trials will continue until April, and it is hoped we can come to an agreement before then."

Updated: 10:41 Thursday, January 06, 2005