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Mapledurham House sightseeing helicopters prompt row | |
(35 minutes later) | |
Sightseeing helicopter flights from a stately home on the Berkshire/Oxfordshire border have caused concerns over noise. | Sightseeing helicopter flights from a stately home on the Berkshire/Oxfordshire border have caused concerns over noise. |
About 70 flights operate daily during 10 days of tours each year from Mapledurham House. | About 70 flights operate daily during 10 days of tours each year from Mapledurham House. |
Residents who describe the flight days as like "being in Vietnam" have called for the flights to be scrapped. | Residents who describe the flight days as like "being in Vietnam" have called for the flights to be scrapped. |
The estate said the events, which run from February to October, were essential for its upkeep. | The estate said the events, which run from February to October, were essential for its upkeep. |
Robert Wytchard from the estate said: "We are aware, we have listened and reduced the number of days by half from 20 to 10. | Robert Wytchard from the estate said: "We are aware, we have listened and reduced the number of days by half from 20 to 10. |
"Farming isn't anywhere near enough to secure an income. It's incumbent for the owners to find funds for the upkeep of estate and house." | "Farming isn't anywhere near enough to secure an income. It's incumbent for the owners to find funds for the upkeep of estate and house." |
'Uncontrolled airspace' | |
The estate said flying days had also been changed from Saturday and Sunday to Friday and Saturday. | The estate said flying days had also been changed from Saturday and Sunday to Friday and Saturday. |
Village resident Tim Whitaker said: "From 10am until 5pm you've got seven hours non-stop of six minute circuits. | Village resident Tim Whitaker said: "From 10am until 5pm you've got seven hours non-stop of six minute circuits. |
"It feels like you're in Vietnam during a high intensity attack." | "It feels like you're in Vietnam during a high intensity attack." |
The estate cannot be forced to stop the flights as light aircraft noise is not covered by statutory noise nuisance. | The estate cannot be forced to stop the flights as light aircraft noise is not covered by statutory noise nuisance. |
Reading West MP Alok Sharma has called for the helicopter to take off and land further away from the house to reduce the noise. | Reading West MP Alok Sharma has called for the helicopter to take off and land further away from the house to reduce the noise. |
He said: "It is noisy, I understand why neighbours feel the way they do but it's uncontrolled airspace. I have also suggested that they look at a quieter helicopter." | He said: "It is noisy, I understand why neighbours feel the way they do but it's uncontrolled airspace. I have also suggested that they look at a quieter helicopter." |
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