Plaid Cymru criticises Powys air ambulance base closure

In an open letter addressing the proposed closure of Welshpool and Caernarfon Air Ambulance bases, ambassadors for Plaid Cymru have argued against the move, saying that the proposal “goes against the wishes of thousands of our constituents”.

Signatories of the letter include members of Parliament and members of the Senedd, as well as a Powys County Councillor. These are Liz Saville Roberts MP, Hywel Williams MP, Mabon ap Gwynfor MS, Rhun ap Iorwerth MS, Siân Gwenllian MS, Cefin Campbell MS and Cllr Elwyn Vaughan.

The letter says: “The uncertainty and public anxiety brought about by this proposal has created significant ill feeling and we are very concerned about the long-term effect this will have on the good relationship that has existed between the public and the charity over the years.

As well as questioning the decision to close the base, the Plaid Cymru letter also criticises the consultation process and the data used to reach the decision.

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It adds: “There are serious questions to be asked about the transparency of the consultation process, the inconsistency in the messaging coming from the Ambulance Services Commissioner, and why one of the options that was preferred in Phase 2 of the consultation, (maintaining Caernarfon and Welshpool and adding an emergency response vehicle), was ruled out without any explanation.

“We believe that these issues alone are reason enough to prevent the process from going a step further.

“Considering some of the questions about the data being used as a basis for the proposal, it is not unreasonable for people to have serious concerns that we will have a significantly inferior service if the Caernarfon and Welshpool sites are closed.

“We still have not been provided with compelling evidence that would convince us that this won’t lead to a poorer service. We believe that lives will be put at risk if these plans are implemented.

“Given the seriousness of these matters, we implore you as someone who is in an influential position to do everything within your power to speak out against the closure of the Caernarfon and Welshpool bases so that the communities and residents of northwest and mid Wales can continue to benefit from this lifesaving emergency service.”