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Cuts to Chivenor search and rescue helicopter availability will put lives at risk

March 26, 2010 12:00 AM

The Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for South Wales West, Peter Black has called on the First Minister to make representations to the Ministry of Defence to reconsider their proposal to cut the availability of the Chivenor search and rescue helicopter from 24 hours to 12..

The Ministry of Defence claims that replacement cover will come from Culdrose in Cornwall, Anglesey and Lee-on-Solent in Hampshire by using faster helicopters but Mr. Black says that this will mean longer response times to emergencies across South Wales, putting lives at risk.

"This proposed cut will result in a large reduction of cover for South Wales and leave the whole Bristol Chanel area vulnerable in the event of an emergency. This includes fishing fleets, seven ferry ports, seven commercial ports including the oil and gas terminals at Milford Haven, Cardiff Wales Airport and of course the Brecon Beacons, and major tourist destinations along the South Wales Coast," said Mr. Black.

"My concern is that these helicopter stations already have other duties and will not be able to deal with the hundred plus night emergencies currently covered by Chivenor due to their own commitments.

"The response time to the Bristol Channel from Culdrose is currently half an hour, Anglesey is an hour away, and Lee-on-Solent is even further away. It is worrying that these travel times are based on ideal flying conditions and would be longer during adverse weather.

"The proposal also assumes that one or other of these helicopters will be available for night emergencies in the Chivenor operational area, but there is no provision for a second helicopter and standby crew. "I have written to the First Minister to urge him to request the Ministry of Defence to rethink their proposal."

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