FLIGHT paths into a North Yorkshire airbase, which were changed following complaints by local residents, are again being monitored by the local council.

The review of flying circuits into RAF Linton-on-Ouse is being conducted by Hambleton District Council's overview and scrutiny committee.

The committee has been asked to look into the circuits by the council's cabinet after it received a number of complaints from residents.

The council was asked to consider a change to the circuits earlier this year, following consultation with residents and parish councils.

The resulting change of circuits began in March and is undergoing a year-long trial with an initial review in September.

The flying circuits were last changed in 1995 when the flying load was put to the west and north of the airfield, away from Newton and Linton-on-Ouse.

Hambleton's cabinet spokesman on safety, Councillor John Fletcher, said: "These changes in 1995 led to complaints from local residents, so in 2002 we asked the RAF to look at changes to the visual circuits.

"This year a revision to the circuits was agreed for a 12 month trial. All the monitoring we are doing and the complaints we are receiving from local people will be brought together as part of a review after six months of operation."

The council has asked for a further report to be brought back to members in November.

They will then study a detailed analysis of noise levels.

Noise monitoring sheets are being completed by householders living in the flight path area and environmental health officers are undertaking random monitoring in Newton-on-Ouse, relating to the use of two runways at the base.

Flight Lieutenant Matt Clark, from RAF Linton-on-Ouse, said: "The district council asked us to look at different flight circuits earlier in the year and we have done.

"At the minute it's probably too soon to say how the new flight circuits are working and we will have to wait for the full six months to go by, and we will be monitoring and seeing how it works.

"Although the final decision about flight circuits will belong to the council."

Anyone wishing to comment should write to David Steele, environmental health manager, Hambleton District Council, Civic Centre, Stone Cross, Northallerton, DL6 2UU.