MP calls for police helicopter cut rethink
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
WITH the Wales Air Ambulance on a call-out in Monmouthshire, efforts to rescue 14-year-old Luke Somerfield from a quarry north of Ammanford were carried out by the Dyfed- Powys Police helicopter.
This helicopter is likely to be lost in 2014 as part of police cuts.
But in light of last week's tragedy, MP Jonathan Edwards has written to Home Secretary Teresa May urging a rethink on what he considers to be a vital service.
"Given the topography of West Wales, I am aware of other instances in which the police helicopter has been used for places where ambulances could not reach in time, or could not reach at all," the Plaid MP said.
"Luke's tragic death highlights the important role the police helicopter plays in assisting our emergency services.
Just incase the public didn't know;
"Dyfed-Powys Police's Pembrey helicopter base — which was only opened last summer after a £1.5 million move from the force HQ in Llangunnor — is to be axed in 2014, with a helicopter based in St Athan, near Cardiff, serving Dyfed- Powys, South Wales and Gwent police."