Not much sympathy for opposition to air ambulance base plan

THERE has been a less-than-sympathetic reaction to news that locals in Rhuallt, Denbighshire, may take legal action over plans for a new air ambulance base on a greenfield site near homes and businesses.

- By CLAIRE ELLIOTT

The row follows the announced closure of Wales Air Ambulance (WAA) stations in Welshpool and Caernarfon, to be replaced by a central base. Residents say no alternatives are being considered and that “test works” have already begun, warning the noise would be “catastrophic” for their village.

WAA said potential sites were reviewed in an independent Service Review and pledged to keep residents informed. Locals say they may seek legal remedies, including claims over property devaluation and describe the development as an “unjustified and inappropriate encroachment” near the Clwydian Range AONB.

Resident Adrian Parry-Jones said: “Helicopters do not simply ‘pass over,’ they generate intense, low-frequency vibration and blade noise that carries for miles. Many homes and businesses sit directly under the flight path.”

He added that holiday parks and tourist areas could also be affected.

WAA plans to avoid flying over homes when possible, schedule training to minimise disruption and not use sirens on rapid response vehicles.

Acoustic testing suggests noise would be similar to a bus on the nearby A55. Operations would average five missions daily, with fewer than 20 staff on site at any one time and night coverage would improve response times in North and Mid Wales.