Politicians across the political divide have Powys have voiced their anger over the closure of the Welshpool Air Ambulance base.

Politicians from different ends of the political spectrum have united in their anger of the decision to approve the closure of the Welshpool and Caernarfon air ambulance bases so they can be merged at a new north Wales site.

The decision was taken after a majority decision by the Welsh NHS’s Joint Commissioning Committee, who are made up of three lay people and the Chief Executives of the Welsh Health Boards.

Plaid Cymru Group leader at Powys County Council, Elwyn Vaughan, who has campaigned for the bases to remain open, said: “It makes no sense whatsoever. It will be at the detriment of these communities in Mid and rural Wales.

“They have not worked out what the new service for these areas will be, how much it will cost, it's sustainability and all smacks of a smokescreen and may well vanish like the morning mist when it comes to reality.”

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He was joined in his criticism by fellow campaigner and Newtown County Councillor, Joy Jones, who said: “With no general hospital and a shortage of road ambulances the public now feel let down and betrayed by not only the health boards but by the air ambulance charity who have received millions of pounds in support over the years from many people of this area

"I hope they've got their numbers and statistics right and that we don't see people dying or having a worse outcome due to have to wait longer for the specialist help they need. Thousands of people signed the petitions and it feels like their voices have been ignored."

Conservative politicians have also been critical of the decision. Montgomeryshire politicians Russell Geroge MS and Craig Williams MP have called on the Welsh government to intervene and have said they will look at possible legal challenges.

The Brecon and Radnorshire MS James Evans joined his fellow conservatives in criticising the plans and said: “Many residents in Brecon and Radnorshire tell me they already feel disadvantaged in terms of healthcare compared to other areas in Wales. 

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"Having no A&E department and most major hospitals being at least an hour’s drive away, it is crucial that we have some form of rapid emergency response in our area.

“I know of many instances where the Air Ambulance has saved someone’s life and, in our communities, it is literally the difference between life and death. 

"This decision today is yet another blow to the constituents I represent showing that yet again – the people of rural Wales are taken for granted.”