Low-flying fighter jets are creating a nuisance to people’s lives, a councillor has claimed.

Now Dwyfor Meirionnydd MP Liz Saville Roberts has begun a public consultation to gather opinion on low-flying aircraft in rural Meirionnydd.

Her intervention comes amid growing concerns by local people who are having to put up with military jets on an almost daily basis, with concerns about their health, safety and ability to concentrate while driving.

The Member of Parliament wants constituents to get in touch with her with their views on the flights, before she presents the findings to the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

She said: “I am keen to gather as much information as possible from local people about low flying aircraft activity in the southern part of my constituency, which has been the subject of many complaints from local residents in recent weeks.

“Constituents who live directly under the flight path of these military jets tell me of increased flying activity over the past few weeks with aircraft flying significantly lower than usual and veering from their normal route, producing an unbearably loud, deafening noise.

“Whilst I appreciate that flying the Mach Loop is considered an integral aspect of the RAF’s pilot training programme, I would urge the MoD at the very least to keep to their defined routes and altitudes and do all they can to mitigate the impact on local residents.

“I’d urge the MoD to be mindful of the effects these low-flying jets are having on local residents, communities, livestock and to the health and well-being of those living under their flightpath.

“Whatever your views, this issue divides opinion. I would therefore urge constituents to engage with this consultation.”

Llanuwchllyn county councillor Alan Jones Evans felt the flights had been a problem in the area for a long time.

He said: “It’s something that many of us have gotten used to over the years but for tourists, young children and the elderly it can be quite disturbing.

“Tourists can’t believe what we have to put up with from the jets, sometimes they are so low you can even smell the fuel.

“And they cause problems for farmers when they startle livestock.”

But the authorities argue that they have done everything possible to protect the public from any danger.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Defence said: “The MoD takes its responsibilities to the public extremely seriously and endeavours to cause minimal disturbance.

“Nevertheless, low flying training remains an essential part of operational training that can only be perfected through continuous practice in a realistic environment.

“We strive to ensure that any disturbance is kept to a minimum and that low flying training is distributed as widely and equitably as possible throughout the UK Low Flying System.

“Unfortunately, there are no uninhabited areas of the UK large enough to cater for all essential training needs, and a substantial area of the UK is subject to permanent low flying restrictions where appropriate.

“As you would expect, safety is of paramount importance, with stringent regulations in place to protect the public and our aircrew.”