The Conservative MP for South Dorset has referred the decision to close the Portland Search and Rescue helicopter to the Ombudsman.
Richard Drax said it was because the Department for Transport (DfT) had failed to consult over the plans.
The Government announced in March that operations will move out of Portland, Chivenor and Culdrose to a new base at Newquay Airport.
The service will be run by a private company, Bristow, which is based in the US.
While I understand that the Minister [Stephen Hammond MP] would like to consider the matter closed, it is by no means closed for the people of South Dorset and the millions who flock to our coastline every year.
We depend upon this helicopter. A quarter of all coastguard callouts every year take place within the reach of the Portland helicopter..."
Scrapping of search & rescue helicopter questioned
The Portland helicopter is due to be scrapped in 2018 Credit: ITV Westcountry
The MP for South Dorset has again called on a government minister to visit the search and rescue helicopter base on Portland, which is threatened with closure. In a debate in Parliament last night, Richard Drax accused the government of failing to consult local people about the proposal.
An MP has again called on a Government minister to visit the Portland search and rescue helicopter base, which is threatened with closure. In a debate in Parliament, Richard Drax accused the government of failing to consult local people about the proposal, which he said would cost lives.
The South Dorset MP called for the discussion after the announcement that the aircraft is due to go when the service is privatised in 2018. The area will then be covered from bases further away. He said officials should see the area for themselves.
Questions raised over Portland rescue helicopter closure
Portland rescue helicopter Credit: ITV
Questions are being raised over the government's decision to close the Portland rescue helicopter by 2015, replacing it with a regional service based in Fareham. The Transport Committee says it is "surprised and disappointed" by the failure to consult the public.
