Householders near Elvington Airfield were angered when its owners uprooted and burned trees and tyres near their homes.

They say the smoke caused by Elvington Park Ltd created so much nuisance that one neighbour had to cancel a party.

And a nearby farmer is worried about damage to wildlife the work may have caused, claiming the trees were home to a badger sett.

Richard Hanson, whose farm backs on to the airfield, said: "They burned so many tyres the smoke was everywhere. It filled our house and garden and we had to cancel a party.

"They have very little regard for others and can be very confrontational when you speak with them."

Heslington farmer David Pearcy said he had complained to many different bodies about the airfield's owners, including City of York Council, the Forestry Commission and York Wildlife Trust. "I am very concerned about the wildlife there, especially as it is the breeding season," Mr Pearcy said.

Jeremy Dick, Woodlands Officer for the Forestry Commission, said there was evidence of burned tyres and oil on the site when he visited. "When we got there the felled trees had been burned, so we couldn't say whether an offence had been committed.

"We did issue a warning and will investigate any further allegations in the same way."

However, Chris Hudson, Managing Director of Elvington Park Limited said the work was essential for safety reasons.

He denied the company was confrontational, saying it "dealt with each complaint individually".

And while he admitted tyres and oil were burned, he claimed it was only "a few" and they were needed to start the fires to burn waste wood.

Mr Hudson said: "The trees and bushes had to be removed. We appreciate the need for wildlife conservation, but this is an active airport and we have to have our priorities right.

"The safety of people watching the airshow, the pilots flying the planes and anyone else using the airfield has to come first."

Asked about the "warning" from the Forestry Commission, Mr Hudson confirmed they had been in contact, but claimed it accepted the work must be done for safety reasons.

"We don't want to fall out with people. We want to get on with everybody, but we have a duty to run the airfield properly.

"Hopefully, people will accept this over the long term, so the airfield can bring enjoyment to everyone," Mr Hudson added.

Updated: 11:01 Wednesday, May 30, 2001