Uncertain future for emergency helicopter service
Jan 21 2010 by William Green, The Journal
GOVERNMENT plans to change regional helicopter search and rescue cover remain unclear despite ministers wanting to introduce changes from next year.
RAF Boulmer, near Alnwick, in Northumberland, is home to search and rescue Sea King helicopters often used to help civilians in emergencies.
But the service’s future has thrown into doubt over Government plans to part-privatise it, with Berwick MP Sir Alan Beith fearing cover could be cut to 12 hours in daytime only at Boulmer.
The Government’s justification is the new helicopters are faster with a longer range, but opponents are warning this will leave fewer teams available.
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