11 December 2012

Please note: this news article is in our archive. Articles were correct at time of publication, but should not be relied on for accuracy after the passage of time.

Gatwick’s major airline EasyJet has confirmed that it will make slight modifications to their easterly take of flights in order to reduce the noise disturbance over East Grinstead.

Town Councillors who represent the Public Service Committee and the wards most affected by the noise met with EasyJet officials in November who agreed to try some modifications that would mean fewer flights overflying the western arc of the town. They have now confirmed that they will implement these modifications immediately. They have also confirmed that the changes will not result in any other settlement being flown over.

The Easterly trajectory for take offs is used only about 30% of the time, therefore it may take some time to appreciate the change however EasyJet are monitoring the changes and hope to see an improvement to the residents
in East Grinstead.

“The change has been confirmed by EasyJet that it will not simply move the problem elsewhere. Solutions and not passing the problem was a priority for the Town Councillors” Said Chairman of Public Services Cllr Heidi
Brunsdon “We are pleased that EasyJet have reacted positively and agreed to work with us to make the situation better for the residents.”

Councillor Norman Webster Leader of the Council welcomed the news and praised the committee and officers who have been seeking a resolution since this was brought to the Town Councils attention in September as aircraft
noise became increasingly intrusive.