MPs for Anglesey and Gwynedd have slammed the Ministry of Defence (MoD) over its continued use of RAF training aircraft that have to fly over Snowdonia because they are not fitted with water safety equipment.

Hywel Williams, MP for Arfon, said the Texan aircraft introduced to RAF Valley, Holyhead two years ago have not been fitted with the safety equipment including an onboard life raft, harness and life jacket required to permit full operational use over water.

The aircraft, known for its loud operation and howling noise during a dive, are instead forced to fly over land and have resulted in complaints from residents which have increased during lockdown as more people are working from home.

"It is now well over a year since we raised this matter with the MoD and senior personnel at RAF Valley,” said Mr Williams. “Back then assurances were given, and repeated, that modifications were being made to resolve this safety oversight.

"The RAF need to train their pilots of course. But it is high time for them to act and give proper attention to the impact on local people and the future visitor economy in Snowdonia, already struggling due to the pandemic.

"The MoD concedes that these aircraft are currently unable to fully operate over water. This prompts the obvious question, why on earth did they buy them like this in the first place, especially given that their main base is on an island, that is, surrounded by water.

"This procurement issue has now developed from a temporary operational restriction to what feels like a permanent fixture in the skies above Gwynedd, much to the understandable frustration of those living and working under the flight path of the Texan.

"Complaints have soared since lockdown, due in part to more people working from home, and coming from all parts of the Arfon constituency and beyond.”

He was backed by Liz Saville Roberts, MP for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, who said she has raised concerns over the use of aircraft over Gwynedd “repeatedly” during the last year.

"I was assured that steps were being taken to retrofit the Texan aircraft with the necessary equipment to permit over-sea flying, thus lessening the noise impact on populated areas,” she said.

"There has been no progress, and my constituents remain frustrated that the MoD have not made good on their promise.

"Whilst I acknowledge that flying the Texan aircraft is considered an integral aspect of the RAF’s training programme, they should at the very least do all they can to mitigate the impact on residents, not to mention ensuring their own aircraft are suitably equipped for operational needs."

The MoD has been approached for comment.