Colr. Paddy Butcher claims the move cannot not be justified under any circumstances and “certainly not as training for the British war in Afghanistan”.

The Limavady councillor made the call after the Ministry of Defence confirmed that activity was an essential part of combat helicopter pilot training for Afghanistan.

A MoD spokesperson said all the night time flights are “pre-deployment validation” training flights in preparation for deployment to Afghanistan. Pilots from 206 Squadron, RAF, based at Aldegrove, are involved.

"The pilots and crew are required to be fully experienced in all manoeuvres and tactics before going into theatre. Night time flying is a very important part of the preparations and many in-theatre flights have to be at night for security reasons,” said the spokesperson.

‘Guinea pigs’

But Colr. Butcher said the helicopters are a cause of great disturbance for residents and families.

“I have heard reports that children were frightened by the noise caused and many who had thankfully never had this experience before were unnecessarily frightened. We don't need to be going back to the days of these low flights.

"It is completely unacceptable that the British army are using this airspace for training for operations in Afghanistan. The population of Ballykelly and Magilligan have the right not to be treated as 'guinea pigs' for such training, that will be subsequently be used in the intimidation of the population during the British military occupation of Afghanistan.”

One local resident, who lives just outside Ballykelly, said: “It’s terrifying. You would think they are going to take the roof off the house they go so low.”

United Unionist Coalition Colr. Leslie Cubitt welcomed news that the Shackleton base is still being used.

“I’m very happy to learn the base is still open. It means there is still some employment available there. It should never have been closed in the first place. Now I just hope that this means there will be a continued army presence in the area,” he said.