Expanded air ambulance service needed - claim

The review of the Wales Air Ambulance Service and its base in north Powys should also include options to expand it with Welsh Government funding, according to the area's MP and MS.

It comes nearly a year after news leaked of proposals to close the air ambulance base at the Mid Wales Airport at Welshpool, relocating instead to North Wales.

In a letter this week to the Chief Ambulance Service Commissioner, Russell George MS and Craig Williams MP have asked that the current review includes options of an expanded service.

The Montgomeryshire politicians have written to Stephen Harrhy who is leading a formal engagement process into the future configuration of the service.

The two politicians said they have heard from thousands of Mid Wales residents "who have been united in their support for the retention of the Mid Wales base in Welshpool."

The last public meeting into the plans was held in Newtown earlier this year.

"People in Montgomeryshire and across other rural parts of Wales are absolutely committed to the Air Ambulance service. Our letter this week makes that very clear. We want to see the Welsh Government match the strength of feeling across rural Wales with funding to protect this service," said a statement.

Mr Williams said: “The original proposal and consultations were muddled by a lack of accountability and mixed messages. We are pleased that this has improved considerably with the engagement process and the public meetings held so far.

"We believe it is imperative that the review into proposed changes considers what resources would be needed to expand the service, with increased financial provision.

"Ultimately, it is for Ministers, and politicians to make decisions on the prioritisation of spending resources between different areas. We feel that for such an essential service it is right that every effort is made to provide the maximum possible Welsh Government assistance."