Politicians across mid Wales have expressed concern over proposals that could see Wales Air Ambulance close its Welshpool base.

Under the proposals being considered by the charity, the Welshpool crews, including aircraft and rapid response vehicles, could be moved to North Wales. If these proposals came into effect, this would leave Powys to be covered by stations in Caernarfon, Llanelli, and Cardiff.

The location in North Wales which could house the two crews remains under discussion.

There is currently no definitive timescale for the plans, and the charity says if there are changes it is expected they will take “some time” to implement.

In a joint statement, Powys County Council Leader Cllr James Gibson-Watt and Deputy Leader Matthew Dorrance called the proposals to close the base “disappointing and extremely concerning”.

“The Wales Air Ambulance Service is a vital service, especially for a rural county such as Powys. It also receives a huge amount of public support from our residents,” they said.

“It is therefore disappointing and extremely concerning that their proposal could see their Welshpool base close.

“We will be seeking assurances from senior representatives at Wales Air Ambulance that changes won’t impact on our residents. We will also be asking for an explanation for the justification for this proposal, in particular how moving their base from Welshpool to north Wales will enhance the service for our residents.”

MP for Brecon and Radnorshire Fay Jones said she was “deeply concerned” by the proposals and the effect this could have on medical provision in Powys.

Ms Jones said: “I was shocked to learn of the [potential] closure of the Welsh Air Ambulance centre in Welshpool. Wales Air Ambulance is a crucial asset - the fourth emergency service for many constituents and visitors to Powys.

“I am deeply concerned that the closure would leave Powys even further deprived of medical support. With ambulance response times such a concern across Brecon and Radnorshire, and with no general hospital or A&E department, it is understandable that this creates fears of even more delays.

“While I understand that the charity believes the move will mean they will be able to cover more calls, I will be writing to them for more clarity about the impact this decision could have.”

Welsh Conservative and Shadow Mid Wales Minister James Evans MS said the plans were “disappointing” for the whole of Mid Wales.

The Brecon and Radnorshire MS said that emergency vehicles like the air ambulance are a highly valued resource in the region, especially as road ambulances become “increasingly unreliable”.

Mr Evans said: “It is disappointing that there are plans that could leave, not just Powys but, all of Mid Wales left with no air ambulances.

“We’re an extremely rural region in the UK and such emergency vehicles are a rare and much valued resource here, especially at a time when road ambulances are becoming increasingly unreliable.

“Indeed, Powys had the slowest ambulances in Wales last month, with only 40 per cent attending life-threatening red-calls within the eight minute target due to Labour mismanagement in Cardiff Bay.

“While I’m sure the charity has its reasons, I hope they reconsider and decide to stay in Mid Wales where it is much loved.”

Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats and MS for Mid and West Wales Jane Dodds said she was “extremely concerned” by the proposals, drawing specific attention towards funding for the Wales Air Ambulance Service.

Ms Dodds said the “vital” service must remain in place “at all costs”.

“Like many I am extremely concerned that plans have been proposed to close the Welsh Air Ambulance base at Welshpool Airport. This service is absolutely vital to the region and has saved countless lives,” said Ms Dodds.

“Myself and the Welsh Liberal Democrats are of the view that the service must remain in place at all costs.

“The Welsh Air Ambulance is a charity and we remain extremely grateful to the extraordinary work they do.

“It is vital that the organisation gets the funding it needs and I will raise this issue at the earliest possibility with the Welsh Government in the Senedd.”

The proposals from the charity come off the back of analysis which reveals that it could attend over 500 more lifesaving missions across Wales every year.

The analysis is looking at the most efficient use of the service’s existing resources, with results showing that with a reconfiguration of base locations and medical shift patterns, Wales Air Ambulance could attend up to 583 additional missions every year.

According to the analysis, the reconfiguration would also see every county of Wales benefit from an increase in missions attended by Wales Air Ambulance, as well as an overall rise in meeting the total demand for the service from its current 72 per cent to a potential 88 per cent.

David Gilbert, the Charity’s Chair of Trustees, said: “We have already started the process of engaging with key stakeholders. We will keep everybody updated as we move through the analysis and decision process but it’s fair to say that any potential changes would not happen for some time.”

Dr Sue Barnes, Wales Air Ambulance Charity Chief Executive, said: “Through the trust that the public has placed in us over the past 21 years, we have been able to evolve into one of the most advanced air ambulance operations in Europe. We have a track record of making decisions with patients and their families at our heart.

“It’s important to remember that we go to the patient, the patient doesn’t come to us. There is strong evidence that says every part of Wales will benefit from the proposed changes.

“Our aim is always to make the best use of our donations by attending even more people in need. People have trusted us in the past and we’ve delivered. Whatever we decide to do moving forward, we really hope that people trust us once more.”