Labour Welsh Government Ministers must call in the decision to close Welshpool Air Ambulence base, writes councillor Aled Davies.

The decision-making process in Wales is broken.

The two Health Boards Powys and Betsi Cadwaladr, the two most impacted by this decision opposed the recommendations which included the closure of the Welshpool base, but the South Wales Health Boards that have less understanding of rural Wales supported the proposals.

We have all heard the assurances given by the Chief Ambulance Services Commissioner, Stephen Harrhy, about the future but if he has failed to convince the two Chief Executives of Powys and Betsi Cadwaladr Health Boards, what hope has he of convincing the people of mid and north Wales that their future is bright without bases in Welshpool and Caernarfon.

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What also really hurts is that the residents of rural Wales that have raised millions to fund the precious service that they are so proud of.

It was only a few weeks ago that my friend had to be flown to Stoke for emergency treatment after receiving server crush injuries. The helicopter was the first to the scene and he received immediate support, the road ambulance was delayed by road diversions.

The fight save Welshpool’s Air Ambulance does not stop here. If Welsh Government value the lives of rural people, they must intervene.

There is another chance to help Montgomeryshire’s voice to be heard and to hold public services to account because Dyfed Powys Police and Crime Commissioner election is on 2nd May.

The only Montgomeryshire based candidate is Ian Harrison from Guilsfield who is a brilliant champion for his residents, and he will make sure rural crime is high on the Chief Constable’s list priorities.

Meanwhile, back at Powys Council, there was scrutiny of the Schools Capital programme or as it’s now called, the ‘Sustainable Communities for Learning programme’, potentially a £300 million investment.

I remain unconvinced that there is joined up thinking, between this investment and the Cabinet’s Place-Based Planning which is part of the ‘Sustainable Powys’ programme which may lead to the removal of the Welsh Stream from schools, such as Llanfyllin and Llanidloes but also the closure of three or four Powys Secondary Schools.

It was disappointing that the Cabinet Member for Education was not present to answer the questions.