Blackheath: The green light for Heathrow's Terminal 5 is set to increase aircraft noise over Blackheath, according to campaigners.

Since the mid 90s, flight paths have been extended over Greenwich and Lewisham, creating "noise ghettos" or corridors of noise.

The Blackheath Society's Aircraft Noise Subgroup has been lobbying the Government to ban flights arriving at Heathrow before 6am.

Committee member Eva Bigalke said: "Noise over Blackheath will definitely increase because the number of flights they are allowing is higher than last year.

"Noise testing is something we are keen on but a long-term goal must be a new airport away from London."

The European Court of Human Rights recently recognised the misery people under the flight path face, and decided night flights over London were a violation of rights.

GLA Green Party leader Darren Johnson said: "Giving Terminal 5 the go-ahead is bad for the people of Blackheath and London as a whole. We will carry on fighting in support of people affected by flight paths and aircraft noise."

A BAA Heathrow spokesman said noise concerns of residents were understood but continuing work with airlines and manufacturers will "ensure further improvements to the noise climate".

November 27, 2001 11:31