VILLAGERS angry at changes in RAF flight paths have launched an action group to voice their concerns.

People living in Linton, Newton-on-Ouse and Tollerton have formed SAFA, the Safety And Fairness Alliance, to urge Hambleton District Council to rethink changes to flight patterns at RAF Linton-on-Ouse.

The base provides basic training to pilots in Tucano aircraft. The original circuits, flown since 1995, were directed to the north, north-west and south-west of the base.

After consultation between staff at the base and council officers in April last year, some of the routes were redirected to the east and south on a temporary basis, to give a more geographic spread of noise.

The trial circuits are due to finish in April, but the council has not decided yet whether the changes will be permanent.

Mike Croft, a member of the SAFA campaign living in Linton, said: "As long-standing neighbours of the air base, we are very accepting of aircraft noise and fully support the RAF in their activities.

"But these changes result from a small group in the village of Aldwark who have lobbied the council hard to reduce the impact on their own houses. As a result, around 3,000 people are being asked to shoulder an additional noise burden in order to benefit just 130 people. The council's logic is obviously flawed.

"The original flying circuits were carefully defined by the RAF themselves and have met their requirements for nearly ten years. We are simply asking for these to be reinstated. It is the fairest solution and will allow people to return to levels of aircraft noise that they have long been used to."

The SAFA campaign, which is backed by parish councils in Linton and Newton, is collating objections from villagers and has launched a campaign website at www.safaweb.co.uk

Residents are particularly concerned about aircraft that fly directly over Linton-on-Ouse Primary School.

Eric Kendall, head of environmental health and housing at Hambleton District Council, said: "The council cabinet is due to visit the base this month, and a liaison group will bring together local representatives to influence future decisions over the circuits. The trials will continue until April, and it is hoped we can come to an agreement before then."