Police air base closure set to be reviewed

The National Police Air Service (NPAS) Warton site is among 10 due to be axed under plans announced in February.

Critics of the cost-saving measures say the decision would leave the Fylde coast “out of reach”.

Under the proposal, the nearest air base would be at Barton, in Salford, and campaigners say the distance involved means officers on the ground would be unable to rely on aerial support in an emergency.

It comes after Lancashire’s chief constable and police and crime commissioner wrote to NPAS bosses to raise their concerns.

The NPAS confirmed its strategic board had taken the decision to review the planned closures.

A spokesman said: “The board considered various representations made following the announcements and agreed that there would be a review conducted within 12 months to ensure the agreed operating model was appropriate and provided the level of service that chief constables have agreed would be in place.”