WORRIED villagers fear increased air traffic from low-fare airlines flying into Bournemouth Airport will create more noise and shatter their peaceful way of life.

Now residents from Bransgore, which is in the flight path of all aeroplanes heading east, have demanded the airport makes sure pilots adhere to its "noise abatement procedure," in a bid to minimise noise pollution.

But Bournemouth Airport has reassured residents that its air traffic controllers carefully monitor all jet and turbo-prop aircraft taking off to make sure the procedure is strictly followed and noise is kept to a minimum.

"Bournemouth Airport has been serving the needs of passengers for more than 60 years and operates extensive environmental programmes to minimise the airport's effect on the environment and surrounding community," an airport spokesman said.

"As part of this on-going programme we are currently installing a range of new equipment, which will enable us to monitor noise levels throughout the day and night to ensure we remain well within the government and CAA guidelines."

The noise abatement procedure is designed to minimise the impact of noise on built-up areas in the flightpath of aircraft taking off from Bournemouth.

Aeroplanes have to climb to a certain height and in a particular direction in a bid to avoid Bransgore and Ringwood before making any further turn.

Responding to complaints from villagers that some commercial flights, had ignored the protocol Bournemouth Airport carried out a full investigation, but found no aircraft to be in breach.

New Forest district councillor Bill Dow said new technology was helping aeroplanes take off and land more quietly.

But he warned residents they would have to get used to the idea of increased air traffic with the arrival of new low-fare airlines Thomsonfly.com and Jet2.com at Bournemouth Airport.

"I have lived in the New Forest all my life and I hope it remains a tranquil area," he said. "But I'm afraid that won't necessarily be the case.

"It seems today that wherever you are you hear road traffic or aeroplanes - in fact it's hard to get away from it."

First published: February 9