I WAS interested to read that Sandra Howland was "sick and tired" of hearing about villagers affected by the new flying circuits at RAF Linton on Ouse.

Having moved away from the area, she is clearly unaware of the huge impact that changes to the flying circuits are having on otherwise tolerant local people.

Aircraft are now flying over (not near) the villages of Linton, Newton, Tollerton and Great Ouseburn - including flying directly over Linton-on-Ouse Primary School.

And why have these changes occurred? Well certainly not because the RAF wants them. Rather, a vocal group of protesters in nearby Aldwark has persuaded Hambleton District Council that it is more "equitable" to move the circuits to fly directly over the larger villages, so sparing their small village and rather posh golfing hotel from any disturbance.

When around 3,000 local residents are adversely affected in order to appease only 150 others, an outcry is to be expected.

And, Ms Howland, please rest assured that with close family working at RAF Linton-on-Ouse, I am neither anti-RAF nor anti-flying. Like my neighbours, my objections are aimed squarely at Hambleton District Council.

Name and address supplied.

Updated: 09:44 Tuesday, January 04, 2005