Despite complaints of low flying helicopters over parts of St Keverne parish, councillors have continued their support of RNAS Culdrose.

The issue of aircraft flying over Rosenithon on practise runs over Dean Quarry was an item for discussion by St Keverne parish councillors when they met last Thursday.

Chairman Russell Peters said the council had received complaints from some members of the public, adding: “It isn’t the first time we have had this.”

However, clerk Grace Hatton passed on a message from Cornwall Councillor Walter Sanger to say that the aircraft had restricted area landing sites at four locations at Dean Quarry.

When the matter previously came before the council members agreed to take no action, due to the benefits that RNAS Culdrose brought to Helston and the Lizard Peninsula.

These included a boost the local economy, plus the essential help given by the search and rescue service.

Councillor David Lambrick said: “I thought we as a council agreed we would allow it to carry on, because of Culdrose. I can’t see that as a council we can change that.”

Councillor Russell Hocking agreed: “I’ve said many times before, we pay a very small price for the benefit we receive with Culdrose being in existence. If it went out of existence we would be poverty stricken and unemployment would rise and rise.”

He added that he lived on the flight path to Culdrose and described it as “a privilege” to be underneath it because of the advantages being derived from the naval base.

Councillor Anthony Richards questioned what the limit was for helicopters flying over Helston and said: “Why should people in Rosenithon and surrounding dwellings have to be treated as second class citizens if they’re flying too low?”

But Mr Lambrick replied: “How do we know it is any different to Helston?”

However, he did not disagree with the council finding out the minimum height aircraft could fly.

It was agreed to write to RNAS Culdrose for that information.