PRO-ACTIVE steps are being taken to reduce the impact of low flying aircraft in the skies of south Arfon, Eifionydd and Llŷn after complaints over ‘prolonged and excessive’ noise.

Dwyfor Meirionnydd MP Liz Saville Roberts has welcomed news that the RAF is taking action after ‘mounting complaints’ from constituents.

Residents in the Pen Llŷn area had objected to the noise of persistent, low-flying training aircraft carrying out dynamic flying manoeuvres.

Mrs Saville Roberts lobbied the Ministry of Defence after she said residents’ concerns were being met with a ‘wall of silence.’

A meeting was held in Westminster with the MP, the Wales Air Commodore at RAF Valley Adrian Williams and Squadron Leader Albie Fox.

Under the Defence Estate Optimisation Programme, RAF Linton-on-Ouse flying training was closed and pilot training activity transferred to RAF Valley. The Texan aircraft at the Anglesey base replaced the Tucanos, previously based at Linton-on-Ouse.

Mrs Saville Roberts,who represents Plaid Cymru, said: “Constituents who live directly under the training area of the Texan aircraft have been contacting me since the new planes arrived last autumn.

“Aircraft were flying significantly lower than usual and producing a distinctive loud, buzzing noise.

“Those living between Criccieth and Pwllheli complained of unreasonable and constant overflying from early morning to late evening.

“This was compounded by a wall of silence from the MoD when people sought answers.

“Whilst I fully appreciate that flying Texan aircraft is considered an integral aspect of the RAF’s training programme. I’ve repeatedly urged the MoD and RAF to do all they can to mitigate the impact on residents.

“This included producing a reasonable timetable for flights and pressing on the MoD and RAF to be more responsive to those living under flight paths. Having met with the RAF in Westminster, I am encouraged to learn that proactive steps are being taken to equip the Texan aircraft with the necessary equipment to permit over-sea flying, lessening the impact on populated areas.

“Whilst training exercises will inevitably lead to some disruption, it’s important these operations are mindful of the impact on communities.”

A spokesperson for RAF Valley said: “‘The RAF is in the process of modernising the entire military flying training system, with all fast jet pilot training activity transferring to RAF Valley.

"This process involves the introduction of new aircraft, instructors and a new training syllabus, being worked up in the airspace close to RAF Valley.

"Once we are content that our training is fit for purpose, there will be less reliance on the areas that are currently being used and flying will be spread more widely over land and sea.

"Low flying remains a vital skill for pilots but over recent years as much flying as possible has been transferred from the low level to the medium level environments.

"Most Texan sorties are in the region of 6000 to 10000 feet. The transfer of Basic Flying Training to RAF Valley has created many high end employment opportunities in North Wales, and RAF Valley is now the biggest employer on Anglesey after the County Council."