A debate on the potential closure of the Air Ambulance base in Welshpool is to take place in the Senedd.

The reorganisation of Wales Air Ambulance bases was proposed last August. The plans would see the closure of the Air Ambulance bases in Welshpool and Caernarfon and would see crews combined into a new North Wales base.

The proposals and data have been the topic of questioning by politicians in the Senedd, but next week, Russell George MS is set to lead a Welsh Conservative debate on the base reorganisation.

The proposals have been met with widespread concerns, with local politicians and people across mid Wales questioning how moving a helicopter and road vehicle base further away would lead to an expansion of the service.

This has led to a grass roots campaign which has seen a petition to keep the base in the area reaching over 20,000 signatures and a widespread banner campaign.

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Commenting ahead of the debate, Mr George said: “The service provided by the Wales Air Ambulance to the people of mid Wales and other areas of Wales is invaluable, but there is deep concern about how the proposals to move the Welshpool and Caernarfon bases will strengthen cover in Mid Wales.

“We have seen both the First Minister, and the Health Minister attempting to distance themselves and deny responsibility for a proposal that has come from a service of the Welsh NHS.”

The Welsh Conservatives have said they are opposed to the plans and are calling on the Welsh Government to work with its NHS partners and the Welsh Air Ambulance Charitable Trust to ensure that the current bases remain in operation.

Mr George added: “I hope that in this debate, we can highlight the clear concerns of people from Mid and North Wales, and that the Welsh Government will agree to work with its NHS partners and the Welsh Air Ambulance Charitable Trust to ensure that air ambulance bases in Welshpool and Caernarfon remain in operation.”