RAF defends continuing flight training despite

THE RAF has defended the continuation of flight training during the coronavirus lockdown despite complaints of noise at a Welsh base.

Politicians on Anglesey say concerns have been raised over the social distancing measures being observed at RAF Valley, as well as complaints over the noise being generated by training flights for both Hawk jet and Texan aircraft during the lockdown.

Such concerns have prompted the island’s MP and MS to write to the Ministry of Defence, seeking assurances that travel to and from the base is limited to only critical journeys.

Virginia Crosbie MP wrote in a letter to Defence Secretary Ben Wallace that, while many residents are “immensely grateful for the economic and social benefits” of RAF Valley, several constituents had raised concerns over the base’s operation and how social distancing is being observed.

“Many constituents have deeply held concerns over the noise of several training flights for the Hawk jet and Texan aircraft over Anglesey during the lockdown period,” she said.

“Secondly, on behalf of many who have contacted me, I would like to seek reassurances from you that personnel at the base are maintaining strict social distancing, and that travel to and from the base from outside the island is limited to critical journeys only.

“We have to do all we can to prevent further outbreaks of the virus on the island.”

Rhun ap Iorwerth MS, in a separate letter, wrote: “Concerns have been raised with me that a significant number of trainee pilots may be travelling to and from RAF Valley every weekend – or at least, very regularly – from across the United Kingdom.

“Civilian staff say they are worried about the impact this might have on the local population in light of the current pandemic and how such arrangements may be at odds with restrictions travel.”

A spokesman for the Ministry of Defence said the delivery of all training remains under “constant review” but that efforts are in place to ensure disturbance is kept to an “absolute minimum”.

He said: “The RAF has to continue to conduct essential flying training in order to continue to maintain the supply of trained pilots to sustain operational capability. The delivery of all training will remain under constant review.

“RAF Valley remains a key operating base and will play a key role in the future of the armed forces. against non-essential