Waltham Forest Council leader Chris Robbins has called for the creation of an all-party group to address the issue of increased flights over the borough.

Cllr Robbins has echoed the views expressed by Liberal Democrats and Conservatives at a recent public meeting, who said there must be political consensus on the issue.

London City Airport in Newham was recently granted permission for an extra 50,000 flights a year and some extra flights are already being diverted over Waltham Forest.

Campaign group Fight the Flights has said it will challenge Newham Council's decision in court and Waltham Forest Council insists it was not consulted.

Increased capacity at Heathrow over the summer has also seen flights diverted into skys above the borough.

Cllr Robbins said: “Along with a number of residents, I am very concerned about the recent increase in flights over our borough. I have invited the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives to set up an All Party Working Group to tackle this issue. We need to work together and listen to our residents’ concerns.”

Conservative Cllr Ed Northover and Liberal Democrat Cllr Farooq Qureshi, both parliamentary candidates for Leyton, have both called for action on the issue.

The council hopes to be involved in an up and coming consultation by the National Air Traffic Service on flights over the borough.