Yet again, the racing and bloodstock industry is holding itself in higher esteem than the rest of the population of East Anglia. Planes flying at above the proposed minimum height of 6,000 feet will have no effect on them.

How hypocritical of the racing industry. How many thousands of flights are taken each year transporting horses and personnel around the world in the name of racing and breeding?

Look at how busy the airstrip on the racecourse is, especially on race days, with light aircraft and helicopters coming and going transporting jockeys and other racing personnel to and from race meetings.

They tend to forget that this is right next to the National Stud. But this is okay of course as the Jockey Club owns that as well.

This just smacks of the good old "not in my back yard" mentality.

I, for one, am neither for nor against the proposed changes in flight patterns in the area. I have not flown through choice since 2002, but I certainly do not mind the plans.

If we do not allow these changes, what effect will it have on other industries that rely on aviation travel?

On another point, we recently had the Jockey Club, through William Gittus, warning of the dangers of people allowing their dogs on the heath without being on a lead while horses are working.

But what does The Jockey Club do to ensure that the people it licenses use the correct facilities for the movement of their horses and act responsibly while doing so?

I have sat in my car on Bury Road for more than 10 minutes trying to get into Newmarket in the mornings while traffic is stopped allowing horses to cross to and from the heath. Only one trainer regularly stops his string to allow the traffic to go.

Also, the Jockey Club and tax payers of the area have put a lot of money into building horse walks to protect horses, riders, pedestrians and other road users of Newmarket, so why do horses still use public footpaths?

Why do owners and trainers continually park on the pavement along Bury Road, blocking people's access?

If I parked on a horse walk, I can guarantee I would get a ticket. I'm afraid you should get your own house in order first before having a go at others Mr Gittus.

Ian Young
Greenfields
Newmarket