Helicopter noise unbearable in Wallington and Sutton (From Surrey Comet)

Helicopter noise unbearable in Wallington and Sutton

8:06am Wednesday 28th July 2010 in

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Dozens of noisy helicopters are flying over Sutton each day and causing unwanted noise pollution, according to concerned residents.

The Sutton Guardian has been inundated with calls in the last week from residents concerned about the increase in noise and frequency of the helicopters.

One Wallington resident Joan Amor, who is retired, said she having to regularly close windows and doors in hot weather just to keep the noise out.

Mrs Amor, from Montagu Gardens, said: “I just don’t understand where they are coming from. They seem to be getting louder and more frequent.

“I’ve lived her for years and can’t remember having to put up with so many of them. I’ve told the MP but I’m not really sure who to speak to.”

A quick look at a map of helicopter flight paths shows that Sutton is right in the middle of the route between London Heliport, in Battersea, and Redhill Aerodrome.

London Heliport is the primary base for all commercial helicopters so residents should expect the trend to continue.

Another disgruntled resident, Pam King, from Carshalton said: “I thought I was going mad. One afternoon it was almost continuous helicopters overhead. I’m surprised no one has mentioned it before.”

A London Assembly report, commissioned in 2007 into the issue of helicopter noise, said: “Our investigation has drawn attention to the less publicised issue of helicopter noise, which is having a negative impact on the quality of life for many people.”

The report also confirmed London is limited to 12,000 commercial helicopter flights per year, which on average is about 30 per day.

But it conceded that emergency services and military helicopter movements are exempt from the 12,000 limit.

Commercial helicopter flights can operate between 7am and up to 11pm every day except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s day.

A spokesman for the council said they had not had any complaints from residents over the issue Have you noticed an increase in helicopter traffic in the last few weeks? Call the newsdesk on 020 8330 9535.