Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

WWDC supports campaign to keep ambulance at Devizes.
Council leader Graham Payne said he would write to the Great Western Ambulance Service opposing any moves to a regional air ambulance service, and it was pointed out that although the service was largely funded by the police many local people and organisations were involved in fund-raising to support it, and as such there was a sense of ownership by the people of Wiltshire.

In 2007 the Air Ambulance attended 645 incidents where its speed or ability to get to otherwise inaccessible locations made all the difference to the casualty. £350,000 a year is needed to keep it flying.

The Air Ambulance is organising the "White Horse Challenge" on June 7th and 8th. Walk 55 miles (or less) and raise money for "Wiltshire's Lifeboat." Use this link for more info.

The text of Cllr. Payne's letter was as follows:

"Dear Mr Lynch,

This Council was very concerned to read the press reports regarding the possible removal of the Wiltshire based air ambulance.

Residents are justifiably proud of the service provided by the Air Ambulance Team and the amount of voluntary donations which are generated bear witness to the pride that Wiltshire folk have in the service.

Before any final decision is made to transfer the provision to a Bristol based helicopter, I would urge you to consult fully with all interested parties in the County of Wiltshire and to carefully heed their views.

The good will of the people cannot be taken for granted and change does not always result in improvement.

Yours sincerely,

Graham Payne."