MEMBERS of a campaign group have hit back at Newcastle Airport bosses after they refused to change a noisy flight path over their homes.

Members of the Aircraft Noise Action Group (ANAG) are campaigning to lower noise levels coming from aircraft taking off from the airport over their homes at Heddon-on-the-Wall, Throckley and Clara Vale.

At a public meeting last week, airport bosses met with residents after investigating potential new flying routes. However, Graeme Mason, planning and corporate affairs director at Newcastle Airport, said a decision had been taken not to proceed with an alternative route.

He said: “This is based on the impact on operations, no reduction in the number of people affected by noise, and detrimental impact on air quality.

“Whilst we have looked at alternative routes, we can’t publish them as it may prejudice any future work.”

Roger Haydon, from ANAG, wasn’t satisfied with the airport’s response.

He said: “We’re going to pressurise them around their refusal and publicly shame them.

“We’re not happy with the manor in which the investigation was done and how they presented their ideas at the meeting.”

Graeme added: “We went into the process with an open mind and have gone to great lengths to consider both sides of the situation.

“Any changes to aircraft routes require an Airspace Change Proposal, and would take at least five years.”

An airspace change is not required until annual aircraft movements reach 80,000-100,000 per year. The current number is 55,600. Airport officials said residents could continue to monitor aircraft routes and report noise through its website.