The campaign to challenge the decision to close Welshpool and Caernarfon’s Air Ambulance bases has received the green light for their case to be heard by the High Court.

Solicitors representing campaigners said a full hearing could be held within two months.

Steve Witherden MP said:

“Living in a rural area should not preclude you from access to timely, lifesaving emergency care. I welcome the news that the High Court will hear the case against closing the Welshpool Air Ambulance base.

“The attempt to close it is regrettably just one episode in a long history of Mid Wales losing access to healthcare. At a time when there are proposals to downgrade Llanidloes Hospital being put forward, the Judicial Review is a step firmly in the right direction.

“Campaigners have long argued that the decision-making process was deeply flawed. Whatever the outcome, this hearing will shine a light onto how the decision was made and will be a start in rebuilding trust in the service.

“I congratulate the campaigners on securing the review. Having met with campaigners in Welshpool recently and being elected an Officer of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Air Ambulances, I am looking forward to continuing working with all those opposed to the closure.”