How disappointing that people keep regurgitating the old and environmentally irresponsible argument that people shouldn't complain about aircraft noise if they choose to live near an airport (Letters, July 27).

Society has become far more aware of the harmful effects of noise and other pollution so we should consider what is environmentally acceptable today, not what we used to put up with yesterday.

If we went on using the past as an obstacle to applying modern environmental standards, we would still be burning sulphurous fuel and tipping sewage on to the streets.

People suggesting change would be told: "It was like that before you moved here, so shut up."

We need cleaner and quieter aircraft. Shoreham airport is an asset to the area and I wish it continued success but it would be reasonable to impose a maximum noise and air pollution level as measured at the airport perimeters.

An exception could be made for an agreed number of airshow days but otherwise all aircraft using this facility should be expected to produce no more noise and pollution for neighbouring residents than is allowed for any other sources such as factories and road vehicles.

It could be done by a simple system of local landing rights. All aircraft using the airport would be issued with a notice of required noise and exhaust compliance.

Any craft exceeding the limits would be given permission for a very limited number of return visits before the notice expired and further use of the airport be prohibited unless the craft was modified to make it comply.

This is a common-sense approach to making the historic airport environmentally acceptable in a residential area.

-Ray Chandler, Shoreham