Party of Wales Gwynedd Councillors' Group

At the recent full council meeting in Gwynedd (Thursday 1 December), the Councillor who represents Dinas Dinlle residents, Llio Elenid Owen, was unanimously supported in her call to protect the Air Ambulance service in Gwynedd.

“This would be the best Christmas present we could offer Gwynedd residents," said the Councillor who represents Ward Groeslon, “to keep this critical and important service here at Dinas Dinlle near Caernarfon and Welshpool and build on the services in their current locations.”

Councillor Llio Elenid's call (pictured below) comes following a meeting with representatives from the Air Ambulance last week, where council leader, Dyfrig Siencyn and Councillor Dilwyn Morgan were also present.

It was confirmed at the meeting that no decisions had been made as yet and that a public consultation to glean the opinion of local residents and other organisations was to be launched very soon.

“The Welsh Air Ambulance is a critical emergency medical service and is absolutely essential to the residents of Gwynedd. The rural nature and road networks make saving lives in Gwynedd challenging at the best of times. Relocating the service to north east Wales would undoubtedly cause an even greater challenge for this area.

"We, as councillors, are keen to voice our full support and gratitude, as local people, to the Wales Air Ambulance charity. The work they do to provide emergency care in our communities is absolutely invaluable, and it is important that we remember that. The Welsh Air Ambulance charity has an important role to play here in Gwynedd, and it is one of the charities closest to people's hearts, especially in my local community of Dinas Dinlle.

"We are very aware that so many people have benefited from this service, and that it is a service that protects and saves lives. It is difficult to understand why they would choose to move from Dinas Dinlle or from Welshpool because of the vast rural nature of the surrounding areas. The idea of ​​relocating services to a much more populated area on the edge of the A55 dual carriageway in the north east, does not sound reasonable."

Over the past few weeks, public meetings have been held in Porthmadog, Pwllheli, Tywyn and Welshpool, thanks to Plaid Cymru politicians.

There will be an opportunity for individuals from Caernarfon and the surrounding areas to attend a public meeting at the Celtic Royal Hotel, Caernarfon on Thursday 8 December at 7pm. Hywel Williams, Liz Saville Roberts, Mabon ap Gwynfor and Rhun ap Iorwerth will be in attendance

Plaid Cymru members for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, Mabon ap Gwynfor SM and Liz Saville Roberts MP said:

“The Wales Air Ambulance charity has proven itself time and again to be invaluable to our communities, particularly far-to-reach areas such as south Meirionnydd and Pen Llyn.

“But too many important questions remain unanswered, and there is substantial doubt as to the reliability of the data being used to underpin decisions which will inevitably have far-reaching implications for our communities.”

The leader of Cyngor Gwynedd, Dyfrig Siencyn who has voiced his concerns in correspondence and met with representatives of the service, together with Councillor Llio Elenid and Dilwyn Morgan said: “This is an important and an emotive issue for our residents. I'm grateful for the opportunity to discuss the situation with representatives of the Air Ambulance Service, and I'm pleased we were able to share the concerns we have regarding any changes.

"In an industry such as agriculture that plays a key role in our county with people working in isolation in very rural locations, far from support and services, the Air Ambulance is critical in an emergency.

“Any change can have a negative effect on reaching residents, following accidents or medical emergencies. It's a real concern for us all.”

Councillor Llio Elenid added: “We are so grateful to local people for turning out to share their stories and experience about the service. There is a strong feeling within our communities and we are grateful for every offer of support we have received over the last few weeks.

“We now encourage everyone to keep an eye on the announcement for the public consultation and to clearly show their opinion for protecting the service at Dinas Dinlle and Welshpool.”