PLANS to test turbo jet engines at Kemble airfield have caused outrage in the village.

The company which carries out repairs to the engines, Sigma, has submitted a temporary application to Cotswold District Council which, if accepted, would see a site at the airfield used to overhaul Hercules C130J engines.

Airfield owner Ronan Harvey said: "The new C130 has been coming into service for the last year and is called the C130J. Sigma has a new test rig for that type of engine which it wants to set up here at Kemble."

But residents are concerned. Carolyn Townsend of Culkerton said: "We are worried about further noise pollution. We are going to be very aware of anything which is going to cause us further disruption."

Kemble Parish Council chairman Roger Pettit said: "I have received several letters from residents who are upset about it. The general view seems to be that there is already quite a lot of activity at the airfield causing disturbance.

"This arrangement, even if temporary, will cause a lot of discomfort in the village.

"We shall be objecting to the proposal in fairly strong terms."

The airfield has an existing engine test pan which was built by the RAF around 30 years ago.

The plans will be discussed by members of Cotswold District Council's planning committee on April 7.