No more flights with consultation

THIS week The Evening Star has highlighted the growing number of planes which are flying over Suffolk, polluting the atmosphere and taking away our sunlight with their contrails and our tranquillity with their noise.

What is now clear is that this increase in the number of flights has happened with virtually no consultation with people living under the flightpaths - or their representatives.

And the councils have demonstrated a deafening silence as the number of planes has increased.

That cannot continue. Our elected representatives must start fighting for their voters - and take action to ensure that the congestion in the skies over our heads does not get any worse.

Most people would probably grudgingly accept the situation we have at the moment - with planes criss-crossing the skies at 8,000-feet plus. Many people have enjoyed the benefits of cheap flights.

But enough is enough. Our representatives must stand up to the CAA and NATS, telling them that we've had our fair share of flights. There must be no further increase in the number of planes over this peaceful part of the country.

Planes flying at 8,000 produce a background hum. If they are allowed to fly any lower - a 5,000-foot ceiling has been suggested - that hum will become an irritating roar.

Action needs to be taken now to ensure that does not happen. Our local authorities, led by Suffolk County Council, must work together to represent the needs and concerns of the voters on the ground.

Anything less will be a total abdication of their responsibilities.

WHEN news of the terrible killings emerged in Ipswich over at the end of last year, many people said something must be done to help those who have to put themselves at risk by working on the streets.

Now something is being done as The Evening Star's Somebody's Daughter appeal starts to look at what can be done in the town.

Last night's charity bowling event raised a further £1,000 for the appeal and now we are looking at how the money raised can be used to help those working on the streets.

The success of this appeal should shows yet again how the community of Ipswich and Suffolk is determined to ensure some good comes out of last year's tragedies.

IPSWICH residents have always seemed fairly happy with life - and now there is evidence that this is one of the happiest towns in East Anglia.

According to a new survey people here are happier than those in Norwich, Colchester, or Chelmsford - showing that our town is smiles better than its near neighbours.

Now everyone in Ipswich will be hoping that this happiness is given another boost tomorrow afternoon - with the Tractor Boys taking all the points from their match with Southend.