Party of Wales Gwynedd Councillors' Group

Three Plaid Cymru Councillors share their thoughts on the news that two Wales Air Ambulance bases are to be closed.

Plaid Cymru Gwynedd Councillor, Llio Elenid Owen, Y Groeslon Ward representative said: "The news today regarding the closure of Dinas Dinlle, Caernarfon’s Wales Air Ambulance service is bitterly disappointing and completely heart wrenching.

The whole community has worked tirelessly to convey the importance of this crucial service in my Ward which serves the whole of Gwynedd. We will lose a valuable resource, jobs and expertise from the area. Today is a tragic day for this community, for the surrounding area and for Gwynedd as a whole."

Plaid Cymru Gwynedd Councillor, Gwynfor Owen, Harlech Ward representative said: “The announcement today that Caernarfon and Welshpool Air Ambulance services are to be closed is bitterly disappointing.

For people living in Meirionnydd and Pen Llŷn, this is a drastic blow to services. Already, reaching these sparsely populated and rural areas during an emergency medical situation is challenging. With health boards and road ambulance services already struggling, how on earth is moving these bases to a central location in north Wales going to service our areas better? I am at a complete loss!”

Plaid Cymru Gwynedd Councillor, Delyth Lloyd Griffiths, Brithdir, Llanfachreth, Y Ganllwyd and Llanelltyd Ward representative said: “The local communities of south Gwynedd and mid Wales will be astounded at this news today.

Rural areas, many include rugged hillsides, farmland and rocky terrain have long been serviced by the incredible health experts on board these helicopters based at Caernarfon and Welshpool.

How on earth is closing these bases and relocating to one central north Wales location going to work? With an already challenging role, this is a step too far and puts people's lives at risk. For the benefit of our residents in Gwynedd and Powys, we must continue to work as one and challenge this decision.”

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