MSP carries out survey of airport noise

The questionnaire was sent to 8500 households in the affected zone, with a 32 per cent rate of response.

Residents were asked about the impact of noise from aircraft before and during the pandemic.

The survey has found that before the start of the pandemic 55 per cent were adversely affected inside their own home.

If the pandemic has brought any good news, possibly the fact that the number of households adversely affected dropped significantly to 25 per cent during the pandemic, no doubt due to far fewer flights.

Mr Paterson, who stands down from representing Clydebank and Milngavie at the next election, has been working on this issue for 13 years.

He said: “It is clear that aircraft noise consistently disturbs large numbers of households and is an ongoing problem.

"According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) a wide range of serious illnesses are caused by aircraft noise and that’s whether or not it bothers you or even if you don’t lose sleep from its effects.

“Although I believe I have made significant progress, since we have won major concessions, with West Dunbartonshire Council and the airport having committed to spend in the region of £200,000 on a pilot scheme within Clydebank to retrofit affected houses”.

“Glasgow Airport will also be rolling out a £1 million fund on a noise insulation programme, however that is only within the 63 decibel and above noise zone of the Glasgow Airport contour map area.

"I want to see noise insulation for all households living within the 45 decibel area, as recommended by WHO.

“Although I will be retiring soon, it is my intention to continue with my small team of volunteers to continue our work on aircraft noise. We have come too far to stop now.

“I have always made it clear that I am not trying to close the airport down or stop flight’s, this is recognising that those who are clearly being damaged under the flightpath need protected.”