A man whose home neighbours a Nottinghamshire air base is nervously awaiting the arrival of the Red Arrows and their 'urinating and defecating litter lout' fans. Peter Moyes, 62, who lives at one of the two properties on Longhedge Lane leading up to RAF Syerston, previously expressed his fears over the recently announced period of Red Arrows training over the airfield, but is still awaiting the first set of flights near to his home.
From Monday, January 9, until April 17, 2023, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has given the display team permission to practice 'low flying' flights over RAF Syerston, Flintham. The RAF has said this temporary airspace arrangement would test the site and assess the impact on local aviation and ground stakeholders, with the base seen as a possible permanent solution for the famous group following the closure of their previous operating base at RAF Scampton.
The training programme had not reached the point where it would be needed, according to a Ministry of Defence (MOD) spokesperson. This has left Mr Moyes tensely waiting to find out the effect of the new arrangement, with him claiming to have suffered in the past as a result of unacceptable behaviour by aviation enthusiasts coming to watch displays.
Read more: Syerston residents divided over Red Arrows 'low-flying' training over village
He explained some fans had already unsuccessfully tried to get a peek of the aerobatics team in action. "The favourite spot is from just outside of my house up to the crash gate, which I have seen a few people showing at already. People just drive over the place and cause damage to the highways," Mr Moyes said.
"People usually come down to watch the gliders, but it is a completely different level when the Red Arrows are here. People have their own views but a lot of people who are in favour wouldn't be if they lived next to it.
"The last display they had here the lane was full and we couldn't really get in or out. There's no toilets or bins so when people are around for one or two hours they go wherever they can go, that's why I previously called them urinating and defecating litter louts."
The airspace is being used so two jets from the team – known as the Synchro Pair – can carry out UK-based training before the Red Arrows move overseas to complete their traditional pre-season in more settled weather conditions. RAF Scampton will remain the primary training airspace for the Red Arrows throughout this period, with the team’s home and main operating base being RAF Waddington.
Mr Moyes detailed he expected the Red Arrow's training to impact others living nearby, as well as any wildlife in the area. "My neighbour has put up fencing to stop people going onto his land. The cars parking up cause damage, but if we try putting down barriers or try to move them away, it will just push the problem somewhere else," he added.
"The wood behind it is quite inaccessible to most people so it has become a sanctuary for wildlife. You see lots of the deer there, which you would assume would be impacted by the noise."
The MOD said the period would allow for the collection of feedback which would then be sent to the CAA. A MOD spokesperson said: "From this week until April 17, 2023, aircraft from the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team are permitted to train over RAF Syerston.
"This is to enable two jets from the team – known as the Synchro Pair – to carry out UK-based training, before the Red Arrows move overseas to complete their traditional pre-season work-up in more settled weather conditions. RAF Scampton will remain the primary training airspace for the Red Arrows throughout this period, with the team’s home and main operating base being RAF Waddington.
"The team requires different airspace sites depending on what type of training is needed to be completed. In accordance with UK regulation, feedback on the activity will be undertaken through electronic communication."
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