Air Ambulance on why Rhuallt chosen for base

SENIOR staff at Wales Air Ambulance (WAA) have sought to allay concerns surrounding its planned new base in North Wales.

- By ANDREW FORGRAVE Countryside and Tourism Editor [e-mail]

Site plan for the proposed new Wales Air Ambulance base, which would have road access via the B5429

(PICTURE: WALES AIR AMBULANCE)

Fears have been expressed about response times in Mid Wales and potential noise disturbance for nearby residents.

Local people in Rhuallt, Denbighshire, have threatened legal action after a greenfield site was identified just west of the village.

Warning of “catastrophic” noise impacts, they worry nearby properties and businesses will be devalued. Online, they have been labelled 'NIMBYS' for opposing the plans.

The row follows the WAA'S decision to close existing bases in Welshpool and Caernarfon following an independent service review.

An extensive site search was launched and independent analysis identified an area of North Wales as offering the greatest improvement to patient reach.

The charity said Rhuallt was chosen as it was the only “available, feasible option” within this area that met aviation, safety and environmental requirements.

Capt James Grenfell, the service's chief pilot for Wales, said: "There are strict rules in place that influence the suitability for the location of an air ambulance base.

"Power lines, flood plains and topography are all important factors and significantly limit the number of sites which are suitable.

"People also sometimes confuse the fact that we can land in incredibly challenging terrains during an emergency with the more general principles we have to abide by when returning to base.