Birmingham Airport anti-Noise Group

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Thursday 10th July 2003

BANG! slams EC night flights decision

Birmingham Airport anti Noise Group (BANG!) has reacted with "shock, outrage and disbelief" at the news today that the Government has won its appeal against the European Court of Human Rights ruling on night flights at Heathrow Airport. In 2001 the Court ruled that night flights from Heathrow breached the right of citizens to the "peaceful enjoyment" of their homes under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

James Botham Secretary of BANG! said:

"I am appalled that the European Court has ruled in favour of the British Government today. It's a shameful slap in the face to everyone who suffers the effects of aircraft noise in Birmingham, the UK and the rest of Europe. For the Government to have been let off the hook in this way after the European Court had previously ruled in the favour of suffering residents is outrageous. The decision is a green light to the aviation industry to carry on polluting whilst ignoring the rights of communities. However, we must not be discouraged. BANG fully intends to keep on campaigning for a total ban on night flights and proper compensation to affected residents, as well as against airport expansion in Birmingham."

British Airways has said losing the flights would cost them £320 million a year. In response, Mr Botham commented:

"It's official: the aviation industry cares more about profits than the human right to a night's sleep."

Castle Bromwich resident and supporter of BANG! Hertta Hussein said:

"I live under the flight path and the noise is truly horrendous. At night it is even worse, with planes flying low over my house every hour or more. The European Court tells us that "peaceful enjoyment" of our homes is a basic human right but you wouldn't think it here.

"The airport's complaints procedure is a joke. I am always told that there is nothing they can do. Neither have my local MP or councillors been any help. My doctor tells me I suffer from high blood pressure and I am convinced that this is related to the stress I am under living under the flight path.

She added:

"I don't want sympathy, I want action. Why can't some of the money the airport receives in fines for noisy night time aircraft go towards helping alleviate the problems I and others face? They owe us that much."