Air Ambulance charity seeks opinion on new base

The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Charity has asked for public opinion on plans to build a new base, saying it was necessary to cope with rising demand.

A public consultation on plans to build a base at Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil is under way online until Sunday 13 June.

The air ambulance charity is currently based at Henstridge Airfield but it said in January that a move was necessary to cope with a tripling of demand in the past decade.

Chief executive of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Charles Hackett said: "Our move to Yeovil depends on securing planning permission which is why the views of local residents are so important to us."

If built, the charity said a base in Yeovil would offer "purpose-built spaces" for interacting with patients, training and community engagement.

Hackett said: "This public consultation is an opportunity for people to hear more about our proposals, ask questions, share feedback and show their support for the project."

The charity said Yeovil "provides excellent aircraft coverage" across all of Dorset and Somerset as well as "immediate access" to major roads.

A 35-year lease has already been signed with Leonardo Helicopters which has agreed it would not charge the air ambulance charity rent for the base.

While thoughts can be shared online, a community event is also planned on Tuesday 2 June at Westlands Entertainment Centre in Yeovil.

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