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The bosses of the internationally renowned Leavesden Film Studios near Watford say proposed changes to air traffic control flight paths across southern England could have a "catastrophic effect" on their business .They've asked Watford MP, Claire Ward, to raise their concerns with the Government about the plans which are designed to ease aircraft congestion on flights taking off from Heathrow airport.

The MP says she has also been contacted by a number of constituents in Abbots Langley and the neighbouring constituency of Kings Langley who are worried that the changes will substantially increase noise and air pollution over their villages. Ms Ward has sent a strongly worded letter to NATS the organisation responsible for controlling Britain's air space saying that she will not be able to support the proposed changes unless NATS can guarantee that there will not be any substantial increase in noise levels in her constituency. Her letter goes on: "I understand that these changes are being made in part to reduce the amount of air traffic over built up areas. This is particularly relevant in my constituency where the Heathrow westerly flight path has been re-directed from over the developed areas in Watford to just north of the less built up Abbots Langley. I should say that I have received no complaints from Watford residents regarding the current situation and therefore I am unsure of the need for these changes." Ms Ward says the proposed changes will mean that aircraft taking off from Heathrow east of Abbots Langley will create more noise because of having to climb from 5,000 to 6,000 feet more quickly than previously. She wonders if the proposals had taken into account that there was a major film studio in the area. "I am sure that as a working studio, whose stages have no sound proofing, increased noise from aircraft would have a catastrophic effect on their business and therefore a negative effect on the economy of my constituency. I would oppose any such detrimental action as I do not feel that the consultation documents made clear the possible consequences to local residents. I look forward to a response in due course which will address these serious concerns."