Fed up residents have banded together to form an action group to oppose the third runway and noisy “low-flying” planes coming over the borough from Heathrow.

Residents Action Group Elmbridge (Rage) was set up by six residents, some of whom were founding members of the Teddington Action Group (Tag), to combat the “extraordinarily stressful” and “intolerable” noise from overhead jets.

The group’s actions gathered pace after the Elmbridge Comet reported on West Molesey resident Fiona Fraser’s calls for people to come together in mutual opposition against expansion plans she expected would further blight their lifestyles.

Rage founding member Katy Glassborow had helped set up Tag when she lived in Teddington.

She “could not handle the noise from the planes” and moved to Hinchley Wood five months ago. She has since realised noise was still audible in her new home.

Mrs Glassborow said: “Everyone getting in touch has told us of their immense frustration, saying the current levels of noise from Heathrow is intolerable, and the prospect of more noise and air pollution after expansion is inconceivable.”

Rage member Anna D’Olier said: “I heard some people had decided to hold a meeting to discuss their experiences and see what could be done. As well as the noise pollution, the environmental concerns of a third runway have been a key concern.”

A task group has been started by Elmbridge Council to deliberate on Heathrow expansion.

Despite having only been up and running for two-and-a-half weeks, Rage has already grown to more than 40 members.

East Molesey Councillor Steve Bax, who has been vocal for residents against third runway plans, met with Esher and Walton MP Dominic Raab and Heathrow’s director of external affairs, Nigel Milton, on Wednesday, November 11.

He said: “Mr Milton acknowledged the possibility that aircraft may be flying lower – something campaigners have questioned – although he felt it was likely to be only a slight change, and he gave us assurances that Heathrow would work with the airlines to address the issue.

“Mr Raab and I were pleased to hear that Heathrow views the Esher and Walton constituency as a bellwether area and recognises that it will need to win residents’ support if it is to be allowed to expand.”

Another founding Rage member, Katie Barton, said: “We cannot prevent all planes from flying across Elmbridge, but it is unac ceptable that Heathrow has only recently admitted the flight paths have been concentrated, planes have been lowered and larger aircraft are flying over our borough.”

For details on joining Rage contact rageinelmbridge@gmail.com.

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