A REDBRIDGE MP is to take up the apparent increase in flights over the borough with aviation authorities after a flood of complaints from residents.

Lee Scott, who represents Ilford North including parts of South Woodford, said he was "very concerned" about the "significant" increase in noise from planes flying over the borough in recent months.

Mr Scott said: "This is an important issue for my constituents, and for me as well. I've noticed a significant rise in the number of planes since the Spring.

"The airports say an increase in flights is good for local businesses. But if you look at independent reviews into flights, business travel is majorily down at the moment.

"A lot of businesses are using conference calls and so on, and this is of course coupled with the recession. But this contradicts what the airlines are saying.

"I certainly have concerns about noise levels and what could happen in the future."

Mr Scott said he was told by BAA that there had been no increase in flights from Heathrow, and that the apparent increase in noise was due to good summer weather and lack of clouds.

"I had to have a chuckle at that," he said. "When I opened the letter it was pouring with rain and there were plenty of clouds in the sky - and I certainly could hear the aircraft then."

Mr Scott said he will press aviation authorities over flights from both London City Airport, which is five miles away from Redbridge, and Heathrow, and pledged to closely follow the issue.

Meanwhile residents are continuing to contact the Guardian from all corners of the borough concerned about the issue.

Tony Kent, of Gants Hill, said: "This morning I was woken up at just after 5am by a noisy aircraft which I assume came from City Airport as I'm told they have to fly low to stay under Heathrow airspace.

"In addition there are increasing periods where there are aircraft every few minutes literally depending on which way the wind blows.

"It seems crazy to have so many aircraft flying so relatively low over densely populated areas. There's the pollution, both in terms of noise and fumes, and no safety margin should there be a power loss."

Are you concerned about noise and pollution from aircraft flying over Redbridge? Contact reporter Daniel Binns via email at dbinns@london.newsquest.co.uk