ENVIRONMENTAL activists are calling on David Cameron to issue a moratorium on new flight paths after communities across Britain have been bombarded by noise pollution.

More than 20 groups co-ordinated by the national NGO Aviation Environment Federation (AEF) have signed an open letter saying the current approach is “not fit for purpose and asking the Prime Minister to change it.

Stop Edinburgh Airspace Trial spokeswoman Helena Paul said last year was a “terrible” summer for thousands of people who suddenly found themselves living under these busy new flight paths.

Some of the trials have taken place without local communities being informed, and Ms Paul said the trials had led to “constant and unwelcome noise disruption” with readings of more than 80 decibels commonplace in previously quiet rural areas.

AEF director Tim Johnson called for “a clearer policy direction from government with effective community consultation to avoid any more disastrous flight path trials.”

Mr Johnson said: “David Cameron needs to know that people up and down the UK are calling for a review immediately, and there is no justification for this to be held up by the government’s deliberations on a new runway.”

A Department for Transport spokesman said: “We are working closely with industry and local community representatives on how best to mitigate the impact and are looking at whether these processes can be improved.

“This will include a possible role for an Independent Aviation Noise Authority as recommended by the Airports Commission.”