Wales Air Ambulance has been given the go-ahead to close its helicopter bases in Caernarfon and Welshpool, after the Court of Appeal refused a legal challenge from campaigners seeking to block the move.

The Save Welshpool and Caernarfon Air Ambulance Bases Group had lodged a fresh appeal this summer following an earlier High Court ruling in June, which upheld the Joint Commissioning Committee’s (JCC) decision to close the two bases and replace them with a new centre in North Wales. Lady Justice Andrews dismissed the appeal on October 15.

Campaigners argued the closures could slow emergency response times for up to 40 communities and questioned the evidence used to justify the changes. They had also criticised “mitigation” measures, such as additional rapid response vehicles, saying assurances must be met before any bases close. With the Court of Appeal refusing the appeal, there are no further legal avenues.

Wales Air Ambulance says expert evidence shows the changes will allow them to save more lives, particularly in Mid and North Wales. The charity highlighted that in 2023 and 2024 crews in the region were unable to attend 551 serious incidents between 8pm and 2am. They also noted that the Welshpool and Caernarfon bases were underused, with crews seeing no patients on 163 days in Welshpool and 199 days in Caernarfon over a two-year period.

A spokesperson for the charity said it welcomed “the clear summary and categorical outcome handed down by Lady Justice Andrews.”

“This has been, without doubt, the most scrutinised development of any air ambulance anywhere. It has included world-leading expert-supported research and analysis, and has been scrutinised by a 20-month independent review and put through several legal processes. At every stage during the last three years, the rationale for change and the decision-making process have been validated in the strongest terms,” they said.

“To the large number of people in Mid and North West Wales, and across the country, who have reached out to show their support and convey their trust in the Charity, we cannot thank you enough.

“However, we know there are many people who still have concerns. We offer our heartfelt reassurance that this advancement is not detrimental to you – it is about improving your service, not removing it. We will be able to save more lives in your community and across Wales.

“Our aim is, and always will be, to deliver the best possible care, with the resources available to us – wherever you are and whenever you need us.”

A statement from the campaign group reads: “It is deeply disappointing to hear the Court of Appeal’s decision to refuse an appeal hearing into the closure of the Welshpool Air Ambulance base.

“This ruling marks the end of a long and passionate legal and public campaign to retain the vital emergency service in Mid Wales. Despite widespread public opposition, including thousands of petition signatures and packed community meetings, the legal avenues to challenge the decision made by NHS Wales’ Joint Commissioning Committee (JCC) have now been exhausted.

“As part of the proposed changes, various ‘mitigation’ measures were announced, including additional road vehicles for areas of mid and north Wales. Whilst we don’t think these measures are in any way sufficient, we will be holding decision makers to account on their commitment that no bases would close until these additional road vehicles were in place.

“We want to pay tribute to the many individuals who fought tirelessly to challenge the closure of the mid Wales base, whether through petitions, fundraising, or public campaigning. This has been an extraordinary campaign and demonstrates the strength of feeling across our communities.”

The group members are: Cynthia Duce, Clive Duce, Cllr Joy Jones, Cllr Graham Breeze, Cllr Elwyn Vaughan, Russell George MS, Bob Benyon, Andy O’Regan.