PEOPLE across Suffolk are being urged to make their views known on aircraft noise as part of a major consultation exercise.

PEOPLE across Suffolk are being urged to make their views known on aircraft noise as part of a major consultation exercise.

Noise from passenger jets is becoming an increasing problem for people living under flightpaths with some part of the county suffering a near-constant roar and drone as one plane departs and another immediately arrives as routes have become busier.

A recent survey by the Evening Star found it can take up to 80 seconds for the sound from one airliner to start and fade.

It will get worse, too, as airports expand and air traffic grows - with the number of planes set to double in the next 20 years.

Stop Stansted Expansion (SSE) is urging people to give their views as part of the BAA's draft Noise Action Plan consultation - even if they live many miles away from the airport.

“SSE is urging all members of the community affected by noise from overflying to respond to BAA's consultation and has issued step-by-step guidance with an overview and background briefing to assist those without specialist knowledge of the issues,” said a spokesman for the group.

It is concerned as to the outcome of any noise plan and felt it to be “mostly a wish list rather than representing a meaningful plan to reduce Stansted's noise impacts”.

Officials from Stansted say people have until October 2 to comment.

Stewart Wingate, Stansted Airport's managing director, said: “Our challenge is to manage the issue of aircraft noise in a pro-active, professional yet sensitive way as we understand it can be a real concern for our local community.

“We're also determined to take appropriate actions to reduce and mitigate against aircraft noise where we can - this is the right and responsible thing to do.”

Is aircraft noise driving you mad? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk