There are calls to save the Police helicopter after it emerged its base at Warton would close within 12 months.

The helicopter is seen as a vital tool in helping catch criminals. Chief Superintendent Tyron Joyce, Chief Operating Officer for the National Police Air Service said:


“The closure of NPAS Warton in April 2017 is part of a national programme of planned activity to ensure that essential air support remains in place to support the police forces of England and Wales at a significantly reduced cost to the public.

“The decision to close NPAS Warton was made based on an impact assessment of the ability of the National Police Air Service to provide air support to police forces in line with areas of the greatest threat, harm and risk to the public.

“Whilst NPAS Warton will remain open until April 2017, it is possible that some of the services they currently provide will be delivered by other local NPAS bases sooner than that in order to most effectively manage the closure process.

“Alongside this closure, more NPAS bases are operating 24 hours. NPAS Barton and NPAS Hawarden along with others across the rest of England and Wales already provide a service 24/7.

“The National Police Air Service (NPAS) is a unique national collaboration across England and Wales providing a truly borderless service.

“Police forces in need of air support contact the NPAS Operations Centre and receive support from the nearest available aircraft at the time.

“NPAS currently provides this support from 17 bases across England and Wales. Through this network, NPAS are normally able to reach 98% of the population of England and Wales within 20 minutes.

“By April 2017, NPAS will be operating from 15 24/7 bases across England and Wales and with this provision, will continue to protect local communities from threat, harm and risk as effectively and in line with local police and crime plans.“

Woodvale would be a good place to rehouse it!

Or Blackpool Airport - just down the road !

use Ince woods airfield ?

Originally Posted by Knot wright

use Ince woods airfield ?

It used to be at Blackpool till it moved to Warton . we are not losing it the units are being put together so can cover more area at cost saving .

Originally Posted by jeff

It used to be at Blackpool till it moved to Warton . we are not losing it the units are being put together so can cover more area at cost saving .

but with what response time if the base is getting further away ?

Originally Posted by AN Other

but with what response time if the base is getting further away ?

flight time from mancester to preston maybe 10-15 mins

Originally Posted by pedoja

Woodvale would be a good place to rehouse it!

Don't want the damned thing back at Woodvale thank you, it makes a right racket. NIMBY? Me? Never .....