Deadline for submissions draws closer

West Lothian residents are being urged to give their views on Edinburgh Airport’s Airspace Consultation.

The deadline for submissions is on Monday, September 12, and the results could affect the airspace over the county.

Airport chiefs previously ran the TUTUR flight path trial but this consultation focuses on overall airspace in and out of the facility.

It could mean changes - including more flight paths - above West Lothian despite hundreds of noise complaints over the last year.

Linlithgow MSP Fiona Hyslop said: “This could lead to a major revamp of our airspace and it is vital that residents across West Lothian are aware of the consultation and contribute their views before September 12 – not just those who have had issues with aircraft noise levels in the past.

“Every resident of West Lothian will be affected by the results and therefore must ensure their voices and opinions are heard.

“It is essential that my constituents in West Lothian engage with this consultation by visiting the website www.letsgofurther.com or contacting the airport to request a hard copy of the consultation document so that they can read the airport’s proposals and submit their views.”

Lothian MSP Neil Findlay said: “I would urge as many residents as possible to respond to this consultation and ensure their voices are heard.

“I know that feelings are running high amongst those people living in and around the airport at the way Edinburgh Airport have conducted this flight path trial and their reasons for wanting a new flight path.

“But it is important that these strong feelings are conveyed to the airport owners and to the Scottish Government.”

And Edinburgh Airport Watch, a group opposed to more flight paths above West Lothian, called on the politicians to listen to the views expressed in the consultation.

A spokeswoman added: “We are very concerned at the timing and format of the Letsgofurther consultation, the lack of detail and the absence of any clear justification for it.

We hope that all of our MSPs will listen to the valid and genuine concerns of their constituents and will subject the airport’s actions to very careful scrutiny.”

Every resident of West Lothian will be affected by the results