A FORMER Southend police chief is urging residents to join him on the airport’s noise forum to give people a voice on the impact of flights on the city.

Mick Thwaites has been appointed as chair of Southend Airport’s community noise forum and is hoping to boost communication between residents and the airport’s management team.

For years, residents living under the flight path at Southend Airport have complained about the impact noise has on them.

Mr Thwaites, who spent 37 years with Essex Police, is urging people to join the forum and help him offer feedback to the airport.

Echo: Mick Thwaites has been appointed as chair of Southend Airport’s community noise forumMick Thwaites has been appointed as chair of Southend Airport’s community noise forum (Image: Archive photo)

He said: “Southend Airport has always been very aware of the impact aircraft noise has on local people.

“I applied for the position of independent chair on the basis that I would do all I can to ensure there is effective communication between the community that surrounds the airport and those making operational decisions on behalf of London Southend.

“I believe my experience in working with and in the community - across Southend and Rochford - for more than 40 years, will help me to achieve this goal.”

Prospective members will have the opportunity to delve into conversations about aircraft noise, obtain a deeper understanding of light aircraft circuit training, comprehend noise metrics and gain access to noise complaint data, among other insights.

The appeal follows London Southend Airport’s recent unveiling of a new route and a partnership agreement with Aeroitalia, Italy’s second largest airline.

A service of six weekly flights to Milan Bergamo will begin in March.

The airport anticipates a significant increase in passenger numbers this year.

John Upton, chief executive of London Southend Airport, suggested in a video posted on the airport’s YouTube channel that passenger figures could “at least double” in 2024.

Mr Upton said: “I appreciate the ongoing support of our existing voluntary members.

“The forum has reaped numerous successes since its launch in 2021 and I am delighted to see our newly appointed chair already engaging with the community.

“The airport has ambitious plans for passenger growth and is ideally placed to serve not just Essex and eastern England, but also the UK’s fastest growing population area to the east of London.”