Bath MP Wera Hobhouse has launched a petition to stop “disruptive” sightseeing helicopter rides flying over the city.
Passengers can see Bath’s historic landmarks from above
The helicopter tours, which are usually offered at weekends, have been taking off from Bath Racecourse, giving the opportunity for passengers to view Bath’s historic landmarks.
Passengers can also fly over to Bristol for an additional fee.
Residents have complained about the disruptive nature of the flights, with concerns raised over noise as the helicopters fly low and the air pollution generated.
Locals have contacted the MP, councillors, and the Civil Aviation Authority in a bid to stem the helicopter tours, which cost up to £169 per person.
The company offering the rides, IntoTheBlue, offer an extended tour of Bath with a 25-minute flight that flies across to Bristol.
A shorter 15-minute tour allows guests to view the Royal Crescent, the Circus, Pulteney Bridge, the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey and the Thermae Spa.
MP Wera Hobhouse said: “Not only is this disruptive to residents in Bath but it is hugely damaging to the environment. I will stand up for residents to demand that these joy rides stop polluting our city and repeatedly disrupting our residents.
“Bath is a beautiful city and can easily be discovered on foot. It does not fit with the city’s World Heritage status to have noisy, sight-seeing helicopters polluting the air above our city, especially whilst we are tackling a climate crisis. It is simply not acceptable.”
The petition can be found here: https://www.werahobhouse.co.uk/stopthechoppers.
