RESIDENTS are being urged to make their voices heard following concerns that Caernarfon and Welshpool Air Ambulance sites could be closed.

A final decision will take place in March.

A consultation suggests closing both sites and moving them to the Rhuddlan area.

Liz Saville Roberts, MP for Dwyfor Meirionydd, and Mabon ap Gwynfor, MS for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, said in a joint statement: "'Rural areas in Gwynedd and Mid Wales have a vital need for this lifesaving service.

“A combination of agricultural communities, rurality, and poor road infrastructure means that the Air Ambulance is the difference between life and death.

“Plaid Cymru has argued from the outset that this lifesaving emergency service must be safeguarded within timely reach of our communities – a call overwhelmingly backed by our constituents in Dwyfor Meirionnydd.”

The Chief Ambulance Service Commissioner is consulting on changes to the way the lifesaving service is delivered across North West and mid-Wales.

The third and final consulting stage runs online from February 1 – 29, the Chief Ambulance Services Commissioner will present his final recommendation to the Emergency Ambulance Services Committee (EASC). 

Ms Roberts and Mr ap Gwynfor added: "This will be our last opportunity to impress upon the decision-makers why keeping the Air Ambulance in Caernarfon and Welshpool is crucial to maintaining a safe and timely emergency response across Gwynedd and Mid Wales.

“The recent closure of the A493 between Pennal and Machynlleth perfectly illustrates why our rural communities depend on the timely availability of the Air Ambulance should a medical emergency arise, and the availability of road ambulances be compromised.

“The most recent data quite clearly reinforces the need to keep both bases open and that any proposed benefit of centralising the service in Rhuddlan is marginal to say the least.”

To have your say, click here.

Save Our Bases group is campaigning to keep the two air bases as they are. 

Andy O’Ragan from the campaign said: “I implore anyone who cares about the future of our Air Ambulance bases in Caernarfon and Welshpool to take part in this final phase of engagement.

“If you don’t have your say now, you won’t get another chance, and once our bases have gone there’s no bringing them back.

“So please take the time out of your day to have your say."