MORE politicians have added their concern to proposals that could see Wales Air Ambulance close its Welshpool base.

The Leaders of Powys County Council have spoken out after the charity which runs the life-saving service revealed on Wednesday (August 17) that it had been analysing data to make its use more efficient.

It says that moving the Welshpool crew to a base in North Wales would increase the potential number of Powys patients reached by 11 per cent.

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"The Wales Air Ambulance Service is a vital service, especially for a rural county such as Powys. It also receives a huge amount of public support from our residents," said leader Cllr James Gibson-Watt and deputy leader Matthew Dorrance.

"It is therefore disappointing and extremely concerning that their proposal could see their Welshpool base close.

"We will be seeking assurances from senior representatives at Wales Air Ambulance that changes won't impact on our residents.

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"We will also be asking for an explanation for the justification for this proposal, in particular how moving their base from Welshpool to north Wales will enhance the service for our residents."

Meanwhile, an online petition launched by Newtown councillor Joy Jones, with support from Plaid Cymru Powys councillors, Elwyn Vaughan and Gary Mitchell, has now reached more than 4,600 signatures.

It was launched just hours after the proposal was revealed and gained more than 3,000 in less than a day.