HAVING recently moved to the area we were unaware of the noise caused by the aircraft used by Skydive North West. At weekends it really is appalling. Is it right that a single activity should be allowed to cause so much noise over such a large area and disturb so many?

There must be thousands of residents affected. Many live in quiet, peaceful areas and the noise caused by this aircraft when it is climbing and circling overhead is unacceptable. It ruins the peace and tranquility, especially of the more rural parts.

It would appear Skydive North West has permission to fly from 9am to 9pm at weekends and bank holidays. Over the last few weekends the noise, at times, is so loud we can barely carry on a conversation outside.

I've discovered that in the past Skydive North West applied for planning permission to extend the hours but it was refused, planners stating "the scale of additional use with its associated noise impact would be seriously detrimental to the residential amenity of the adjoining areas and detrimental to the peaceful enjoyment of the adjoining countryside...".

Given the problem is mainly at weekends when people who have been working during the week want to enjoy their leisure time can the planners review the situation and impose some stronger regulations?

I'm not suggesting closing the centre as it does bring pleasure to a few - who probably don't live in the area - although I'm sure many residents in the surrounding areas of Cark, Flookburgh, Allithwaite, Holker, Grange, etc. would welcome it.

But there must be some way of substantially reducing the noise of the aircraft. When it uses full throttle to climb and circle overhead the noise is extreme and can be heard over an area of several square miles!

An alternative would be to reduce the hours of activity - three or four hours a day maximum, in the mornings? I know some use parachute jumps to raise money for charity, but are they aware of the noise pollution and affect on locals this causes? The continual droning of the aircraft for hour after hour is horrible. There are many, many more friendly, ways of raising money for charity.

I'm certain this noise would not be allowed in the national park so why is it allowed when just outside the boundary?

I hope the planners will do something soon for the sake of locals and visitors.

Geoff Jones

Grange-over-Sands

l Editor's note: The Westmorland Gazette contacted Skydive North West after receiving Mr Jones's letter and here is a response from one of its directors, Stuart Morris.

Skydive North West fly varying circuits throughout any day's operation to reduce noise.

We have varying disciplines of skydivers, some allowing us to fly away from the drop zone, thus reducing the noise impact further and some where the aircraft has to remain within the drop zone vicinity to circle when dropping individual skydivers. When this occurs the aircraft is operated at a reduced power level.

We have discussed, shown and agreed our mitigating flying patterns with South Lakeland District Council and maintain these throughout our operation.

The Lake District area, a national park, is classified by the Civil Aviation Authority as uncontrolled airspace. This means ANY aircraft at ANY time of day or night can fly around the Lake District area 365 days a year with no restrictions.

Our business operates via a certificate of lawful use granted by SLDC and we are restricted to the hours of 9am-9pm at weekends and bank holidays with additional mid week days at our discretion.

The centre is not new to the area and has been in operation some 45 years to date, bringing in much-needed tourism and visitors to the area.

Many local businesses, hostelries and B & Bs gain revenue from our business, visitors and club members, not only in the summer months but throughout the year. We currently have a number of employees all living within the vicinity of Grange and Cartmel.

We more than welcome open discussions with any resident with regards to our operation and invite anyone down to the centre to chat face to face while enjoying a cup of tea and some local sticky toffee pudding.