Within the last month we read of a light aircraft crashing on to the roof of a house in Shoreham and a second incident of a light aircraft crashing on to a well-used beach at Lancing.

In both incidents, it appears no one received major injuries. Following these two reports, a wise owl wrote to The Argus warning of the dangers and asking whether there should be an inquiry into the reliability of these small planes.

Within a week and on a single day, three light aircraft crashed in other areas of England in which five people lost their lives, all occupants of the aircraft involved.

At Shoreham airport, it is proposed to extend the runway in order to facilitate the use of larger aircraft. The only way this can be done is to change the runway from a north-south-north direction to an east-west-east direction. This will mean the flight-path of these aircraft will be directed over a number of heavily populated areas.

In which directions will the large number of small planes that use this airport be required to travel? The people of East Worthing, Lancing, Shoreham, Southwick and areas adjacent should be aware of this and have a say in what is permitted.

While Worthing Borough Council and Brighton and Hove City Council will, as owners of the airport, make the final decision, Adur District Council, which represents most of the people affected by these proposals, will only be allowed to send an observer.

Finally, for us more settled people who own property in the areas, it is possible these plans could seriously affect the value of our homes. Make your point before it is too late.

-A new resident to the area, Southwick