A NUISANCE plane is once again circling over Worcester, say angry residents, but defence chiefs say it is important training for military operations in Afghanistan.

Your Worcester News has again received reports of a Hercules flying over Worcester between 8.30am and 4pm on weekdays – which has been confirmed by the Ministry of Defence.

Michael Wade, of Astwood Road, Worcester, said: “It has been going on for years now. It stopped after Christmas but it’s started again and it’s there all the time. We’re just wondering what is going on and how long it’s going to go on for. It’s just annoying.”

The plane has also attracted fresh interest on our website in the Your Say section.

One reader, called Jerry, said: “If I had wanted to live on an airbase I would have joined the RAF as I bought a house before this droning aircraft started to do its damage to the people living under its flight path.”

But Paul Garland said: “This is old news. Would you rather that it was a Russian or Chinese plane? Keep on droning.” AN RAF spokesman for Ministry of Defence spokesman confirmed that 10 complaints had been received about the plane over the summer so far.

She said: “Essentially, it’s training that’s undertaken during the summer months preparing for operational deployments for Afghanistan. We apologise for the disturbance and have informed people, including the MP. We don’t fly lower than 2,000 feet and the average height in Worcester is 20,000 feet.”

She said the training exercise began last year.

Those with complaints should call the RAF in Brecon, Wales, on 01874 613889.

  • Note: As well as the comments below, this issue has been causing a stir in our forums since 2007!