CAMPAIGNERS have expressed doubts about the effectiveness of a consultation on proposed changes to air traffic routes. LADACAN (Luton And District Association for the Control of Aircraft Noise) think that the proposed stacking and departure routes for air

CAMPAIGNERS have expressed doubts about the effectiveness of a consultation on proposed changes to air traffic routes.

LADACAN (Luton And District Association for the Control of Aircraft Noise) think that the proposed stacking and departure routes for aircraft using Luton Airport will be implemented unless a major problem is found

National Air Traffic Services (NATS) have devised new routes for the UK's aircraft to cope with the increasing volume of air traffic.

The new flight paths are due to come into operation in March 2009 and will direct aircraft over the villages and the countryside rather than towns and cities.

St Albans, Harpenden and Flamstead look likely to have fewer aircraft flying overhead but Wheathampstead and Markyate might suffer more traffic.

NATS is currently consulting the public to gather views on the new routes.

But LADACAN fear that people's concerns about noise and pollution will not be enough to stop the new routes being put in place no matter how many people complain.

John Davis of LADACAN said: "They spent four years devising these routes and I doubt very much whether they will change them unless something major comes up."

He also had reservations about how useful threading aircraft between built-up areas was going to be.

To find out how you will be affected by the routes or to contribute to the consultation go to the NATS website at www.nats.co.uk/TCNconsultation