“Reject Welshpool Air Ambulance closure recommendations”: politicians react

As the news sinks in that Welshpool is set to lose its much-loved Wales Air Ambulance base, Montgomeryshire’s Member of Parliament and Senedd Member have issue a united call of defiance, floating the possbility of a legal challenge.

The news was broken this morning that a review into the charity’s operational capabilities has recommended that the Welshpool and Caernarfon bases should close, in favour of a new base in north east Wales.

Despite a valiant local campaign that questioned the original data provided, not to mention highlighting our dreadful Montgomeryshire transport infrastructure that has made this close-at-hand service a life saver, the man behind the engagement process has issued his recommendations that the charity should move ahead with its plans.

Over the next few days, individual regional health boards will give their own views with the final vote to be taken by the heads of those boards on March 19.

Russell George MS said: “This is appalling news. Welshpool’s base has saved countless lives. Given we don’t have a District General Hospital in Powys, it is all the more important that we continue to have an air ambulance base in Mid Wales.

“I am calling on individual regions like Powys Teaching Health Board, who will have the final say to reject the recommendation which clearly does not have the support of the of the public in Mid Wales.

“In the latest round of engagement, 66% of responses came from Powys. That is an impassioned cry from Mid Wales about the importance of this service.”

Craig Williams MP added: “Local campaigning has been very strong and I am extremely proud of the way that our communities have united to support this vital lifeline for our area. The people of Mid Wales have donated and fundraised for the air ambulance for many years precisely because they know how important it is.

“Ever since the plans to close Welshpool’s base were haphazardly leaked out in August 2022, the ensuing consultation and engagement process has been extremely poor.

“The people of Mid Wales will rightfully question whether this was a done deal from the start.”

Both said that they would now push hard for the committee to reject the recommendation and, if not, along with other campaigners, consider options of a legal challenge. 

PICTURE: Craig Williams MP and Russell George MS pictured outside Wales Air Ambulance base.