Highclere inn's customer helicopter arrivals create a stir

Stunt raises charity cash for air ambulance

WELL-to-do customers who fly private helicopters in for a meal at their local have caused village uproar.

The stunt, organised by the Yew Tree Inn at Highclere, was aimed at raising charity cash.

But not all the locals were impressed with low-flying choppers skimming their rooftops, and the matter has been reported to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

The topic was raised at a meeting of Highclere Parish Council meeting on Tuesday, July 14.

The meeting was told that the gastro pub, just off the A343 Andover Road, advertised online, inviting customers to land by helicopter in a field situated behind the pub at no charge, although they appealed for donations to be made to the air ambulance.

Council vice-chairman John Stoker, who lives next door to the pub, said he counted five helicopters landing last month, and expressed concerns about noise affecting his horses grazing in a nearby field.

Mr Stoker said one helicopter flew over his garden with the tail wheel just three feet above the telephone line, and the last one he saw arriving at the pub was June 13.

He said: “The noise was really quite surprising and I would say it was below the ridge of my house when it came in.”

He added: “Several local people have commented on the danger of them going low over the A343 and of people driving along looking up.”

Mr Stoker said he complained to Hampshire Constabulary, but the response was that drivers should pay attention to the road.

The council decided to write to the police force’s chief constable expressing their concerns.

Basingstoke and Deane borough councillor, Graham Falconer (Con Burghclere, Highclere and St Mary Bourne) said the borough council’s enforcement officers had notified the CAA of the issue.

He added: “We had a microlight aircraft that crashed into a garden in Arkwright Close in 2008, so there are concerns about air safety.”

CAA spokesman Richard Taylor said such helicopter movements were restricted and added: “There can only be 14 visits per year, including landing and take-off, without planning permission.”

He added that any noise issues were a matter for the borough council.

Yew Tree Inn licensee Simon Davis, said pub owner Cirrus Inns Ltd was aware of the helicopters landing at the pub, but neither he nor the owners were aware of any issues arising from this.

He added: “We bend over backwards to try and keep customers happy and try and fit into the local area.”

Mr Davis said villagers had been warned in advance of the landings and added: “We have raised over £400 for the Hants and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.”