GARETH DAVIES, Vale of Clwyd MS, has raised concerns from local residents about proposals by the Wales Air Ambulance Charity to establish a new airbase and helipad near Rhuallt in Denbighshire, after being contacted by members of the community about the potential impact of the development, and the lack of consultation on the plans.
Mr Davies has written directly to the charity’s Chief Executive, Dr Sue Barnes, as well as to the Chief Constable of North Wales Police, Amanda Blakeman, to outline the concerns being raised locally and to ask that discussions take place about whether the former North Wales Police airbase in Rhuddlan could be explored as a potential alternative site.
He has also raised the issue with the Welsh Government in the Senedd yesterday, seeking clarity from ministers on the planning process and whether further consultation with residents should be undertaken before any planning application is submitted.
While emphasising that the lifesaving work carried out by the Wales Air Ambulance is widely respected and valued across North Wales, Mr Davies said residents have raised concerns about the suitability of the proposed location which is nestled in a quiet rural area close to homes and the St Beuno’s Jesuit Spirituality Centre, which hosts silent retreats and other activities that depend on a peaceful environment.
Residents have also expressed concerns about the extent of consultation carried out thus far, with many feeling that wider engagement with the community should take place before plans of this scale are submitted. The former North Wales Police airbase in Rhuddlan has been suggested by residents as a possible alternative location as it has a precedent for helicopter operations and may be a more suitable location rather than building on an untouched part of the countryside.
Commenting, Gareth Davies MS said: “Residents across the Vale of Clwyd have great respect for the lifesaving work carried out by the Wales Air Ambulance, and everyone wants to see the service continue to thrive and support communities across North Wales.
“However, many people in Rhuallt have raised genuine concerns about the lack of consultation on the plans, with fears they could ride roughshod over the community to get the base built.
“Residents are also concerned about the proposed site being located in an area of rural beauty close to homes and St Beuno’s Jesuit Spirituality Centre, where people come specifically to experience peace and quiet, with many recommending the airbase instead be located at the former North Wales Police airbase in Rhuddlan.
“I have therefore written to the Wales Air Ambulance and North Wales Police, and raised the matter with the Welsh Government, to ensure these concerns are properly considered and to encourage discussions about whether the former police airbase could offer a more suitable alternative, while ensuring residents are properly consulted before any plans move forward.”
